Staying Safe on Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday for everyone but there are still some dangers to avoid. Sadly, accidents can happen at anytime; and it can be a particularly dangerous night when so many children are out past their bedtimes. In all the fun and excitement, we relax when we should be extra careful.

Both children and adults should be aware of Halloween safety tips that everyone should practice while out trick or treating or scaring their friends. No one wants his or her Halloween to turn into a horror movie. Simple things can save lives, avoid injuries and allow Halloween to remain a fun holiday.

Costume Safety

Costumes are all part of Halloween but the wrong kind can be dangerous. Masks need to have eyeholes that are large enough for children to have peripheral vision. Otherwise your little one will have trouble walking without bumping into things and may even have trouble crossing the road. You also don’t want your child decked out in something flammable; so make sure the costume is fire proof.

Knives, scythes and other weapons are often part of Halloween costumes. Although these props are plastic and never sharp there is still a danger of a child tripping and falling on his or her prop. If it’s a hard plastic prop, it could still injure a child. Make sure such props are pliable and soft to avoid unnecessary bumps and scratches.

Parental Guidance

If you are not out with your children trick or treating then make sure you know the route they are taking. You should also make sure that children have at least a teenaged brother or sister accompanying them if not an adult. All sorts of things can happen when children are out on their own even in a big group and before it gets dark. Avoid unnecessary danger by having someone responsible with trick or treating youngsters.

Curfews are important on a night when many children want to be out as late as possible collecting as much candy as they can. Make sure that you tell your children well in advance when they have to be home and why they have to be home on time. It’s never a good idea to have your children out too late even with an adult around.

Halloween is about fun, and fun does not include vandalism. Tell your children that egging people’s houses and other such activities are absolutely intolerable. Make sure they know they will be cleaning up their own mess if they choose to break those rules.

Holidays like Halloween can be as good or as bad as we make them. Remembering these simple safety tips can keep your family and neighborhood happy and create a fun a pleasurable environment for your children.