Top 10 Halloween Safety Tips To Make Sure EVERYONE has a good time.

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Trick or treating wasn’t particular a BIG deal when my kids were growing up here in the UK and I was intrigued to be interviewed recently on BBC Radio about a Mayor in the US who has banned it!

But who is Halloween for?

In some towns and cities across the USA, there’s an answer written in law. Various municipalities have actually banned teenagers from trick-or-treating, with punishments including fines, police reprimands, or in some places, potential jail time!

We haven’t gone that far but if you will be taking your kids Trick-or-Treating, you not only want them to have fun going door to door stocking up on sweets and treats, but to also stay safe while doing so!

Keep in mind these 10 Halloween safety tips to have the best time Trick or Treating!

SAFETY TIP #1: PLAN A ROUTE IN ADVANCE

Trick-or-treating can take you around your community and many streets away from your home, which can cause tired legs and a bit of moaning, whining and tantrums if your kids are young.

So, the first thing to do is plan out a route before leaving your house. Stick to paths that you and your child are familiar with to avoid getting lost, dirty or muddy.

We’ve turned our clocks back so do make sure you are safe in the dark & bring a torch with you, also bring your mobile phone for Google Maps & to keep in touch with people if you get lost.

SAFETY TIP #2:  WEAR REFLECTIVE CLOTHING

Keep your kids visible by making sure that they are wearing reflective strips on their costumes, and are carrying torches.

One another simple way to be seen is to wear glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets.

I am amazed by people who ride bikes and walk along roads with poor lighting without the proper visibility clothing.  Not only will you be able to keep an eye on your children, but you’ll also be able  to keep them safe by identifying them easily in the dark among other kids.

SAFETY TIP #3:  MAKE AN ID CARD FOR YOUR KIDS

Just in case you may be separated from your child during Trick-or-Treating, make sure they are wearing a discreet identification card under their costume to keep them safe.

Also talk and teach them about your rules in case they get lost.

Make sure they know their home address and your mobile phone number.

SAFETY TIP #4: WEAR COMFY FOOTWEAR

Make sure you and your kids are wearing comfortable, well-fitting footwear whether it’s wellington boots or shiny shoes!  I know they may argue with you but girls should avoid heels, and all shoelaces should be double-tied to avoid tripping in the dark.

SAFETY TIP #5: KEEP COSTUMES COMFORTABLE & PRACTICAL

I know the kids want to wear all sorts of things but do try to avoid costumes that drag on the ground so they don’t trip them up, get caught on bushes or get spoilt in muddles.

SAFETY TIP #6: ESTABLISH A DEADLINE

This is helpful if your child is going trick-or-treating without you or if you want to make sure you’re not out with the kids all night! Make sure your kids are wearing a watch or have the timer on their phone set to go off to remind them to come home!

SAFETY TIP #7: REMEMBER YOUR MOBILE PHONE

You’ll probably  have your phone with you, but if your child is older and going trick-or-treating without you, make sure they have a mobile phone TURNED ON!

SAFETY TIP #8:  STAY HYDRATED

It can get hot under a costume, especially when walking long distances during Trick-or-Treating.  Remember to carry with you a few bottles of water !

SAFETY TIP #9:  INSPECT SWEETS  BEFORE EATING THEM

Check all treats to make sure they’re sealed. Throw out sweets with torn packages or holes in the packages, spoiled items, and any homemade treats that haven’t been made by someone you know.

Make sure your child is aware of any allegies they may have around peanuts for example,and  make sure that they check what they are given with you.

SAFETY TIP #10:  KEEP YOUR OWN HOME SAFE

Remove anything that could cause kids visiting your home to trip or fall on your path or in your garden. Keep family pets away from trick-or-treaters – even if they seem harmless to you, your pet could scare small children.

Make sure the lights are on outside your house, and if possible, the path to your door is lit up.

Remember

Remember not all people know about, like or want to be disturbed on Halloween.

Elderly people might feel intimidated by the bell constantly ringing so ‘Talk & Teach’ your children about respect, the ways to ask nicely for treats and to be gracious if people don’t have anything for them.

Also remind them to say ‘Thank You’ afterwards too – good manners cost nothing & are important.

I hope you have fun and keep safe!

Happy Halloween!

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