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October
21
21
Avoid Halloween Mishaps: Safety Tips for Your Trick-or-Treaters
Dressing up in costumes and going around the neighborhood collecting candy is fun - but it can also be dangerous. Especially if you've just moved to a new neighborhood and don't know the area very well. Here are a few trick-or-treating safety tips to help both you and your kids avoid mishaps and have the best time on Halloween.
- Have a Plan
Trick-or-treaters should always be accompanied by a trusted adult who can keep an eye on them and ensure their safety. Make sure whoever takes them knows the surrounding streets and how to get from one street to another. Plan out your route carefully and stick to it. This is especially important if you're new to the neighborhood and still getting used to where things are so you can avoid getting lost. If you're taking the kids out yourself, share the planned route with another trusted adult so they know where to find you in case something happens. - Choose Costumes Carefully
Masks are fun and scary, but they also restrict a child's sight, increasing the likelihood of accident or injury, as well as making it easier for them to get separated if they're trick-or-treating in a group. Using makeup instead will keep trick-or-treaters' field of vision clear so they can see what's going on around them. Also be sure the costumes fit properly and don't have any loose or dragging bits that can make it difficult to walk or be easily tripped over. - Be Visible
Children should wear light-colored costumes whenever possible so they can be easily seen, especially after it gets dark. Also, decorate trick-or-treat bags or buckets with reflective stickers or tape. It goes without saying that you should always carry a flashlight, but it can also help to have the kids carry glowsticks with them to make sure they can be seen by passing cars and pedestrians. - Avoid Distractions
Make sure everyone in the family who has a cell phone has it with them, but keep them stored in pockets, purses, or bags unless they're needed. Don't scroll on your phone as you're walking (this goes for children and adults alike). If you need to use your phone, have everyone stop, find a safe, out-of-the-way spot to do it, and then put the phone away before continuing. Also, avoid listening to music while trick-or-treating or having earbuds in. And, tempting as it may be, children shouldn't go through their bags while walking, either. Wait to see the haul until you get home. - Follow the Rules
The basic rules of road safety are important year-round, but especially on Halloween. Always look both ways before crossing the street. Only cross the street at crosswalks and make sure everyone crosses together (if you have little kids, hold their hand). Only walk on sidewalks. If you're on a street that has no sidewalk, walk on the left so you can see any oncoming cars, and keep as far to the side as possible. If you're driving on Halloween, go slowly and keep an eye out for children, even if you technically have the right of way.
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