Double, double toil and trouble. Fire burn and cauldron bubble. -William Shakespeare
Halloween should be a great experience for families where lifelong memories are made. It is, however, also one of the most dangerous nights of the year for children. I’ve put together some tips to help ensure your night is safe and enjoyable.
Going out Trick-or-Treating
- Have a pre-game chat with your children. Make sure they know that this should be a fun event but that they need to make sure they stay close to you and always in your sight. More children are hit by cars on Halloween than any other night of the year. As cliché as it sounds, look both ways when crossing the street.
- Children should always accompanied by a responsible party, ideally more than one
- Consider adding reflective elements to your child’s costume
- Bring a flashlight
- Plan out your route ahead of time and be familiar with the area
- Do no approach homes that don’t have lights on
- Inspect the candy before your child eats it
- Be aware of your surroundings and do not be afraid to report unusual activity to your local police
If you’re staying home to hand out candy
- Clear walkways of debris
- Turn on exterior lights and add additional lighting to walkways that are dark or are potential tripping hazards (think stairs)
- Keep pets indoors or securely tied up
- Serve safe treats
- Have some inexpensive toys available for children who have allergies to candy (nuts, etc.) and store those in a separate container
- Keep all doors that are not visible to you locked. Halloween is a prime night for vandalism and burglary
- Be cognizant of fire hazards. Pumpkins look great when they are lit up by candles but can be dangerous if left unattended.
- If you see something unusual, say something! Report to local police any suspicious behaviour
Happy Trick-or-Treating!
Check out some St. Louis County area Halloween activities