Halloween is a fantastic holiday whether you’re 5 or 50 years old! Kids enjoy running around to trick-or-treat events and costume parades, and families and adults head out to Halloween parties to get into the spooky spirit. But safety should always be kept in mind, and at Phillips Law Group, we wanted to share some quick Halloween safety tips to ensure your holiday stays happy rather than scary this year.
Costume Safety Tips
A lot of kids race around neighborhoods on Halloween to get as much of a candy stash as possible while they trick or treat! It’s a good idea to make sure their costumes follow a few safety tips to keep them as safe as possible, whether they’re dressed as a monster, princess, ghost, or whatever their little hearts desire.
When your child is making a costume selection, it’s not a bad idea to steer them toward costumes with bright colors or reflective tape. This can make them more visible while they’re running around trick-or-treating. If their costume doesn’t have these features, you might want to consider adding them as a finishing touch.
Plus, before your child heads out for their costume parade or trick-or-treating, ensure their costume fits correctly to prevent tripping and falling. The last thing you want to deal with is a crying Spiderman on Halloween!
Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
We’ve also got a few Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treating, whether you’re taking your kids out or welcoming youngsters to your front porch.
If you’re expecting kids to show up at your door for sweet treats, ensure any walkways are well-lit and don’t have any obstacles. There’s nothing wrong with having some spooky decor, but safety comes first, so be sure they’re well out of the way of where little feet will be running!
If you’re using candles in your jack-o’-lanterns, only use battery-powered ones and check them often to prevent fire hazards. There are enough fake candles with flicker effects that look real these days that you don’t need to risk using the real thing.
As for heading out with your children for treats, there are a few other safety tips you and your family should keep in mind in the midst of all the excitement. First, before you go trick-or-treating, plan a well-lit route to embark on and visit familiar neighborhoods. Not only is this safer for your family, but your neighbors will be happy to see kids they recognize at their door!
If you’ve got small children, always accompany them while they go trick-or-treating for safety. If you’ve got older kids, talk to them about a curfew if they’re going out or chat with them about their plans if they’re going to a party. You can trust that they’ll keep out of trouble but still have an idea of where they’ll be if you need to get in touch in an emergency situation.
Candy Safety Tips
Finally, the United States Food and Drug Administration has some safety tips to offer regarding Halloween candy.
The FDA advises that candy shouldn’t be eaten until it has been inspected at home, and there are a few reasons this is a good idea. It should be investigated for tampering, of course, like discoloration or tears in wrappers, but also for things like allergens. Kids might not realize there’s something in that candy bar they shouldn’t eat until their parent takes a closer look!
Additionally, the agency notes that “parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags.” Inspecting their candy before little hands eat any of it is the best way to avoid a potential tragedy.
From all of us at Phillips Law Group, be safe, and Happy Halloween!
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