Trick or Tweet? 6 Modern Halloween Safety Tips
Jamie Thomas writes about kid’s activities, family budgeting, and good money management.
Will you be trick or treating with your nieces and nephews this year? In the midst of your preparations, be sure to keep safety high on your radar. Nothing would be worse than for disaster to strike on a day meant for fun and celebration. In order to prevent that from happening, here are six Halloween safety tips:
1. Select Safe Costumes. If you have any say whatsoever in the Halloween costumes for your nieces and nephews, make sure you account for safety. You should avoid any that are loose-fitting that could trigger a trip or a fall. In addition, be sure costumes don't have small accessories that could easily be pulled off (such as buttons or clips) and ingested by a little one. Avoid masks as well, since they can limit eyesight and lead to falls.
2. Take a Smartphone for Emergencies Only. At least one child in a group should bring a smartphone. Just be sure the devices are for emergencies only, or to let you or other family members know where they are. If your nieces and nephews are letting their friends know what they're doing on Twitter or posting photos online, they won't be paying attention to where they're going and that could result in a nasty accident, especially as they are walking near traffic.
3. Set a Schedule. If the kids will be heading out without you, be sure to set a specified time when they're expected home. In addition, ask them to check in a few times throughout the evening. Just be sure to tell them to check in from a safe area, and not while walking around.
4. Bring Flashlights. Even if costumes have some sort of lighting, bright colors, or reflective tape, having a flashlight is always a good idea. They're especially useful when approaching homes where they might trip over landscaping. An alternative is to pick up a pack or two of glow sticks from Target and put one around the wrist of each child in the group—this way, they are at least more visible to drivers.
5. Never Let the Kids Go Out Alone. Younger children should never be unaccompanied, and if your older kids are not accompanied by an adult, ensure that they stick together in a group of six or more. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, things can go wrong - but there is safety in numbers.
6. Examine the Sweets. If the kids will be heading back to your place after all is said and done, be sure to inspect the sweets. You should discard anything freshly prepared—despite the good intentions of the giver, there could be something unsafe to eat. Make sure you check expiration dates, as well. If anything looks out of the ordinary, discard it.
You may have a bit of a balancing act on your hands when it comes to suggesting some of these tips to your siblings or in-laws—you never want to come off as meddling or labeling them as bad parents. But you can do it with a little tact. Plus, any parent should see that your intentions are good, as the ultimate goal is a fun and safe Halloween for all. Good luck in your efforts to keep things that way for your nieces and nephews.
What other Halloween safety tips do you know of?
Photo: wckiw
Originally published: October 15, 2014