Because we know that it's not only burglar alarms and CCTV that keep people secure throughout the halloween period, we've put together our top tips and tricks to help keep you and your children safe this halloween.
For many children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year — and it’s easy to understand why. After all, when else do they get to dress up as their favourite character, collect sweets to their heart’s content, and stay up past their bedtime?
Of course, you want your kids to enjoy a hauntingly fun night, but like most parents you’re probably concerned about their safety. Relax and read on. From toddlers to teens, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist for keeping your kids safe on Halloween.
Young Children
In addition to adult supervision, here are more ways to help keep your children safe and secure on Halloween.
Costume Safety
When purchasing your child’s costume, check the label to be sure it is flame resistant, which means it should resist burning and extinguish quickly. If you’re making their costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester. To help minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes that are loose or baggy.
To help prevent trips and falls, be sure your child’s costume and shoes fit properly. Have them try on their costume several days before Halloween so you have time to make necessary adjustments. If their costume includes an accessory such as a sword or knife, it should be soft and have a blunt end.
Opt for face paint instead of a mask, which can obstruct your child’s vision. Buy non-toxic face paint or make homemade paint with your child. Test the paint on your child’s face several days before Halloween to be sure it won’t trigger an allergic reaction.
Add a few pieces of reflective tape to your child’s costume and trick-or-treat bag to increase their visibility. Glowing bracelets or necklaces can also help your child be seen, but keep them away from babies as they may be tempted to chew on them.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
Talk to your child about what they should do if they get lost. For extra precaution, consider having your child wear a GPS tracking device or a Halloween safety tattoo.
Trick-or-treating generates a lot of excitement, which means your kids may forget the basic pedestrian safety rules you’ve taught them. Before your night begins, remind them to stay on pavements, never dart into the road from between parked cars, and walk, not run, from house to house.
You should be sure to carry a torch with new batteries. Depending on their age, you may also want to provide your child with their own torch. If you do, choose one that’s labeled child-safe.
Sweets & Treats Safety
Caution your kids against eating goodies before you’ve had a chance to approve them, and only okay sweets that is in its original wrapper. Be mindful of any food allergies your child may have, and never allow your little one to eat a treat that poses a choking hazard. Hard boiled sweets tops the list of foods that most often send kids to A&E. Have safe treats or inexpensive toys on hand to trade your child for their dangerous candy.
To help avoid post trick-or-treating belly aches and tantrums, have your child eat a good meal before the night begins and discuss how many pieces of candy they’ll be allowed to eat.
Tweens & Teens
If your kids are heading out this Halloween without an adult escort, review these tips to help them stay safe.
Neighbourhood Safety
Consider downloading a crime mapping app like police.uk to learn what crime is taking place in your community. Use this information to help your child plan their trick-or-treat route and discuss any off-limit areas or homes.
Before they leave home, be sure your child has their moible phone and establish how often they should check in with you. Tell them to call you immediately if the plans they’ve discussed with you change. You should also talk about “what ifs.” For example, you might ask your child what they will do if someone offers them alcohol or drugs at a party, or if a stranger invites them into their home while they’re trick-or-treating.
Party Safety
Older kids may skip trick-or-treating and attend a party. Make sure a parent will be in attendance and find out what time the party is expected to end.
Allow your child to enjoy their independence while helping them stay safe by downloading a personal safety app. These apps can let you do things like check your child’s GPS location (find my friends on iPhone) and confirm that they made it to their destination.
Remind older children that Halloween “pranks,” such as toilet papering a house or throwing eggs at passing cars are not only disrespectful, they’re also illegal.
Consider prohibiting your teen from driving on Halloween if they are going to a party. If they do get behind the wheel, remind them to use extreme caution.
We hope this list will help your kids enjoy a safe night of trick-or-treating and that there aren't no bumps in the night.
HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEEEEEN
