The spookiest season has arrived!
As we near the yearly costumed candy grab, it’s important to know how to be safe, for both you and the children in your home and neighborhood. Here are some tips to keep your ghouls, goblins, witches and wizards wise this holiday season.
Pumpkin carving
- Help little ones when using sharp knives to carve fun jack-o’-lantern designs.
- To avoid fire hazards, look for other ways to light up your creepy displays. Some ideas include using a flashlight, glow stick or battery-operated flameless candle instead of an actual candle.
Costumes
- Wear bright colors: Look for light-colored costumes for children to be extra visible on Halloween night. You can put some glow tape on the costumes and/or use a brightly colored bag for collecting candy.
- Stay spookily snug: Make sure costumes fit well. Check that hats and wigs are on tight to keep them from slipping over eyes. For easy walking, make sure shoes fit well.
Hosting trick-or-treaters
- Clear your haunted trails: Keep your sidewalks and stairs clear of any leaves, branches or water. We don’t want any of your grim, ghostly guests slipping on their way up to gather goodies.
- Protect your pets: Dressing your furry friends in costumes is one of the cuter ways to get your animals involved in the holiday. But some may be a little too excited for all the visitors. For everyone’s safety, keep pets in another room to avoid them scaring anyone — or anyone scaring them.
On the trail
- Use flashlights: Trick-or-treaters or their guardians should carry them to help remain visible in darker areas.
- Have grown-up guides: An adult should accompany children under 12. And make sure your kids know how to call home if they get separated.
- Keep safety first: Stay on lit paths, and make sure to look both ways before crossing the streets.
