Fall is finally here, which means that Halloween is just around the corner. Though this can certainly be a fun time of the year for the whole family, it may require some extra caution to keep you and your family safe, especially if you plan on trick-or-treating at night. That’s why we put together a list of just a few ways that you can keep your family safe this Halloween season while enjoying the fun festivities.
1. Host a kid-friendly pumpkin carving night.
Pumpkin carving is not only a fun fall pastime, it’s a great way to enjoy the Halloween season with your family. As with any time that there are sharp objects involved, it’s important to take some extra precautions when planning a pumpkin carving night. Here are some safety measures to keep in mind as you and your family carve some spooky jack-o’-lanterns:
- Set up a clean, dry, well-lit area for carving
You want to make sure that you and your family can see what you’re doing. Also, any moisture on your hands, tools, or the carving area can cause slipping that might lead to accidents.
- Make sure adults are supervising
Even though you may feel that your kids are responsible enough to carve pumpkins on their own, it only takes a few seconds for an injury to occur. Supervise your children as they carve their own fun Halloween creations.
- Let the adults do the carving
If you have younger children, they can still participate without picking up a single carving tool. Ask them to draw their own pattern on the pumpkin and make them responsible for cleaning out the seeds and pulp. Then, leave the actual carving to the adults.
2. Keep the costumes safe and comfortable.
One of the best parts about Halloween is the costumes! To ensure that your family stays safe and comfortable all night long, it’s important to choose your costumes carefully. Look for costumes that are made out of flame-retardant material. If you live in an area that is still warm in October, then you should also consider breathable materials to avoid overheating.
Encourage your children to choose costumes they can feel comfy in while walking around all evening. Opt for outfits that allow them to move easily and comfortably. Avoid masks or other face coverings that will obstruct their vision. This can help avoid tripping or discomfort, especially if you have a long night of trick-or-treating planned.
3. Secure your home before you leave for trick-or-treating.
Many families get so excited for trick-or-treating that they forget to make sure their home is safe and secure before they leave for the night. Be sure to turn on your porch light and remove any obstructions from your walkways so that you can safely make your way inside when you return home for the night. Before you leave, make sure all your windows are closed and your front and back doors are locked.
You should also make sure that any pets are secure in your home. Holidays can be a stressful time for pets since there tends to be a lot going on. Between trick-or-treaters moving through your neighborhood and the fact that your family is not home, this may cause some anxiety for your dog or cat. Before you leave, make sure that they are secure in your home and have access to water. You may even want to leave on a light or some music to help ease their anxiety.
4. Use caution when trick-or-treating in your community.
When choosing the best place to trick-or-treat, pick an area that is well lit and well populated. Adults should always accompany younger children, and older children should travel in groups and have a cell phone with them in case of emergency. Remind everyone to stick to the sidewalks when possible and use caution when crossing the street.
If your family is trick-or-treating in the dark, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got some safety measures in place. You can use reflective tape on candy buckets or costumes. Adults who are not dressed up may even opt for safety batons or safety vests that are made of reflective materials. You can also use flashlights or light sticks to help provide some additional lighting as you make your way through the neighborhood.
5. Check your children’s treats before enjoying.
Once your family returns home for the night with treats in tow, it’s important to take a look at the candy before you enjoy it. Check to make sure that all the treat wrappers are sealed. If you find any candy wrappers that are open or treats that look damaged, it’s best to toss these in the trash.
The Halloween season is a great time of year to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. Keep these tips top of mind to have a safe and spooktacular holiday.
