How was your Halloween this year? Was it spine-chilling? I hope you had a “safe” Halloween and your kid(s) have enjoyed a lot. Well, there are some safety Halloween tips that every parent should follow for his/her kid(s). Have you overlooked the safety tips this year? If yes, then don’t worry. But, make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes next year. Have a look at the below-given safety tips and save your child from possible accidents:
1. Safety while carving
Are you ready to carve your pumpkins? Wait, consider these Halloween safety rules:
- Kids must use markers, glitter glue or paint - Let your kids draw faces on pumpkins with colors, glitters, and sparkles. It'll be better not to leave them alone while carving job. They should do the job under an elder’s guidance.
- Use candles with care - Place candle-lit pumpkins on a plain surface, and away from any flammable objects and clothes. Make sure your kids don’t handle these pumpkins alone. It'll be better if you use flashlights to light the pumpkins. Recently, battery-operated flameless candles or glow sticks are also getting handy.
2. Safety while choosing costumes
From furry beasts to fairies and spooky ghosts, picking proper costumes for your kids is an important part of Halloween safety. Check these tips:
- Brighter dresses are the better - Whether you make a unique costume or buy from the store, always keep in mind that your kids are gonna wear these at night. So, choose as many bright dresses as possible and attach reflective tape to their outfit or bags. Also, look for flame-retardant materials for those dresses. After dark, your kids are gonna trick-or-treating outdoors, so it'll help them to be seen even from far while crossing roads.
- Choose right size - Use perfectly fit costumes for your kids so that they can carry it well. It also reduces the possibilities of a stumble. In case it's chilly outdoors, always make them wear warm clothing underneath. Avoid high-heels and over-sized costumes.
- If possible, avoid masks - A mask can obstruct the vision, especially if your kids are running around the neighborhood. Mask often slips out of place, causing an accident. Use skin-friendly, non-toxic makeup equipment for dressing up.
- Limit accessories - Pointed props like magic wands, spears, swords-knives, etc may cause accidents. So, if possible avoid these props. But if you really need to use them, try to make them with cardboards.
3. Safety while trick or treat
Before your kids getting out for trick-or-treating, check out these safety rules:
- Be a part - Accompany your kids while they are trick-or-treating. If your kids are younger than 12, then you must go with them. If it is not possible, then pin your kid’s name, address and your phone number inside the pocket of your kid. Ask your older kids to go with their friends or older siblings. Make sure your kids have at least one flashlight with new batteries.
- Make some rules - If your kids are going without you, make some plan on how to maintain a familiar route. Check all the safety rules, including their staying with the group. Make sure they remain only within the neighborhood. Kids must approach only those house, which are open and clearly lit. Ask your kids to carry a cell phone so he or she can contact you.
- Check out the treats - Don't let your kids eat while they are trick-or-treating. Feed them early before going out in the neighborhood. Check out the treat before your kids eat it. Dispose of the treats that are not sealed or expired. Never open a treat that looks questionable. If you have young kids, don’t let them eat gum, hard candies and other choking foods.
- Ration the loot - If your kids are getting a lot of treats, give them few and save the rest. You might ask your kids to share some of your candies, toffees or other sweets with neighborhood friends.
- Plan a party - Without knocking from door-to-door, how about planning a trick-or-treat party with your neighbors? Arrange the party at your home, it’ll be the safest place for your kids. They will enjoy the Halloween. Decorate the entire house, have a musical party, and play games and puzzles.
4. Safety while being at home front
Little trick-or-treaters will knock at your door steps too. So, being a host, follow these safety measures:
- Clean up - Clean your yard and main entrance. Put away things that can create problems for trick-or-treaters to enter the house, such as water hoses, bikes, lawn mower and other decorations. Clear glass doors, remove mud or other debris from the sidewalk.
- Turn on the lights - Replace old or defused bulbs and use LED bulbs for brighter lights. It’ll give you enough light for good visibility at the walkway and front door.
- Pets - Don’t take any chances, may be due to their peculiar clothes, your pets might get frightened, and they can bite any child at your doorsteps.
If you will be driving on Halloween, make sure to keep your headlights on. Kids may pop out from any backyard or front door and cross the street. Be especially careful while entering or leaving driveways and alleys.