Are you and your family ready for tricks, treats, costumes, scares, and creepy decorations? Halloween is almost here!
*Read more: 4 Fun & Spooky Halloween Crafts for Kids
As you and your kids prepare for a holiday filled with safe, spooky fun, we know sometimes the scariest part of October 31st is how dangerous it can be.
Frightening research from State Farm tells us that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than they are on any other night. In fact, there is an average of 5.5 pedestrian fatalities each year on October 31st.
But you don’t need to be scared to be safe! You just need to make sure you take some reasonable precautions. To help you out, we put together some tips on How To Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween:
Pedestrian safety on the streets
In all the excitement of getting candy and celebrating Halloween, kids may forget some of the basic rules of pedestrian safety, so make sure to remind them of the rules of the road before the night gets going. Always look both ways before crossing the street, and never assume the right of way or that cars are going to stop for you.
Trick-or-treaters should also not go back and forth across the street to get to all the houses; instead, they should go up one side of the street, cross at a crosswalk or intersection, and then start on the other side to return back. Families should stay on the sidewalk at all times if possible, but if there is no sidewalk, walk on the edge of the road on the side facing traffic. That way, you can see when cars are coming and move out of the way as needed.
"Drivers will be more likely to see a group of people than a single trick-or-treater."
Your younger children may want to go out on their own, but having adult supervision is always recommended on Halloween night. If you feel like your kids are old enough to go out without an adult, staying in a group of three or more is best. There’s safety in numbers and sticking together! Drivers will be more likely to see a group of people than a single trick-or-treater.
And what time should you go trick-or-treating? The general consensus across America is to hit the streets around sunset or between 5 – 6 pm.
Wear costumes that can be seen
Another way you can make sure your kids are safe from cars is to think about how visible their costume is. If they are wearing black or other dark colors, they will be more difficult for drivers to see at night. You can make kids more visible by decorating their costumes with reflective tape, or by having trick-or-treaters carry flashlights or glow sticks.
And yes, hand-me-down costumes can be awesome! But you should also make sure your kids’ costumes are the correct size (don’t be afraid to hem!). When costumes are too long, kids can be more likely to trip on them while walking.
"For masks, make sure the eyeholes are at least twice the size of your kids' eyes."
Kids should also not wear masks or hats that obstruct their vision. Hats should be the correct size so they’re not falling into the kids’ eyes. If your kids decide to wear a mask, make sure the eyeholes are at least twice the size of your kids’ eyes so they will still be able to see.
Planning to ditch the mask? Make-up can be a good alternative that will keep your vision unobstructed. Just make sure all make-up is made with non-toxic ingredients and that your child is not allergic to anything in it, otherwise they may get a skin rash or have other irritating side effects. You can test the make-up on a small patch of skin not on their face ahead of Halloween to make sure there is no reaction.
Should I worry about the candy my kids get?
Historically, many parents have worried about their kids’ candy being tampered with by strangers, but actual instances of this are virtually nonexistent. It is much more likely that a child will be harmed by candy due to allergies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 13 children under 18 in the U.S. has food allergies.
You can also check your children’s candy if you are worried about them consuming something they shouldn’t. Make sure all candy is in sealed packaging with the brand name and ingredients listed on it. Some houses may also give out small toys to trick-or-treaters, so you will want to make sure your kids don’t accidentally eat those.
Be careful when carving
Pumpkin carving can be a fun Halloween activity for kids and families, but since we are dealing with sharp objects, it’s important to carve pumpkins in a safe and responsible way. If you want a safe way for your younger kids to get involved in the process, let them help by scooping out the inside pulp and seeds or have them draw a pattern or face on the pumpkin with a marker.
Instead of sharp knives, use a pumpkin carving kit. These kits include small, serrated pumpkin saws that are not sharp enough to cause deep cuts. Because they are specifically made for pumpkins, they are less likely to get stuck. Always cut away from your body, and only cut in small strokes. Pumpkins can be slippery, so be careful! You should also do your pumpkin carving in clean, well-lit areas where you can see what you are doing.
Want to light up your pumpkin? Consider using flameless candles instead of real candles inside your jack-o’-lantern. These have the same effect as real candles while being much safer!
Pro Tip: To make your pumpkin stand out from the crowd this year, check out our Pumpkin Carving Tips video tutorial!
Halloween is a spooky time, but that doesn’t mean it should be dangerous. Be responsible, and take appropriate steps to keep yourself and your family safe. Then, relax and enjoy the fun! We hope you have a wonderful and safe Halloween!
