Keeping kids healthy and happy is the top priority in any parent’s life. Good parents do their best to provide a safe environment for their children to grow up in, with secure homes and excellent schools. When kids have to venture out, keeping them safe becomes an even higher priority.
Make sure this year’s Halloween is fun and carefree with a few tips for a safe trick-or-treatingexperience! Arm your kids and their chaperones with these simple ways to avoid common hazards while haunting the neighborhood for the tastiest treats.
Happy Haunting – Costume Safety
Scary costumes in dark colors come with the season, but dark costumes can be difficult for drivers to spot at night and masks can obstruct a trick-or-treater’s view. Keep your young ghouls safe by:
- Choosing face paint or makeup instead of masks when you can. Masks restrict vision, which means it’s more difficult to spot cars or other dangers.
- Picking a costume that fits properly. Overlarge costumes can trip a child at unexpected moments.
- Decorate a child’s goody bag with reflective tape or stickers. Prefer light, bright colors over dark ones.
- Give your kids glow sticks to wear, or flashlights to carry. This makes them more visible, no matter how spooky the costume.
Monsters on the Prowl – Walking Safety
Heading out into the Halloween night should be nothing but fun. Safe trick-or-treating requires a bit of planning, however, to keep the experience exciting. Picking the best neighborhood with the most treats is only half the battle!
- Chaperones, or older kids going out on their own, should know the neighborhood they’ve chosen for trick-or-treating. If you’re unfamiliar with your intended area, consider a drive during daylight hours.
- Always walk on designated paths or sidewalks. If the neighborhood has none, walk so you face traffic, and stay as far to the side of the road as possible.
- Choose routes with the fewest street crossings.
- Cross streets only at corners, and utilize crosswalks and traffic signals as often as possible.
- Before you cross the street, look left, then right, then left again. Stay aware as you cross, in case of sudden traffic. Teach children the value of making eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of cars.
- Remain alert! Pocket electronics, phones, or other gadgets before crossing the street.
- When crossing the road, walk, don’t run. You are more likely to trip while running.
- For safe trick-or-treating, kids under 12 should always have adult supervision. Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups, and stick to areas they know.
No Tricks With SafeTouch
You don’t want any tricks when it comes to your home safety. SafeTouch has the products and experience you need to keep your home secure all year round. Contact us today!