5 tips to keep trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween
Happy Halloween! Tonight’s the night, kids will be running door-to-door on the hunt for candy, and as much as we’d love for trick-or-treaters to walk carefully and always stop and look both ways before crossing the street, that’s probably not going to happen. So here are some tips to keep the kids safe tonight.
Drivers, slow down:
A new study found you’re 43% more likely to get hit and killed by a car on Halloween. And kids between 4 and 8 are FIVE TIMES more likely to get hit than on an average night. The most dangerous time is between 6:00 and 7:00 PM. Drivers are urged to slow down, drive safely and not drink and drive.
Keep costumes hazard-free:
While many kids love wearing masks and costumes with intricate accessories, these items can actually become barriers when spotting cars and other hazards. Try swapping out the mask for face paint. Also, ensure dresses and capes are short enough so kids avoid falling.
Stick together:
Kids should be accompanied by adults at all times. Hard to keep track of which are yours? Try dressing up in group-themed costumes.
Stay bright:
The brighter and more colourful the costume, the better. That could include attaching reflective tape, buttons and lights to kids’ coats and goody bags – anything that makes it easier for drivers to see them as they cross the street. Carrying a flashlight is also a good idea.
Follow the yellow-brick road:
Draw a trick-or-treat map with your kids and ensure everyone sticks to the route. Discuss a plan with older children so you know where they are at all times, which could involve using a cell phone.
And of course, adults should always check all treats. Not just for unsealed or broken wrappers and unwrapped candies, but also to collect that very important “Candy Tax”. If you do see something in your kids bag that looks “off”, simply throw it out. And if you see something you REALLY want…tell your kid it doesn’t look right, and then eat it after they’re in bed.
Happy Halloween!
