4 Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips Parents Should Know
Halloween is almost here! Are you ready for some trick-or-treating action with your little ghouls and goblins? Collecting candy, dressing up, and seeing pumpkins on doorsteps is super fun. But, it’s also important for parents to keep safety in mind, especially if they have children with food allergies or toddlers and young kids new to the trick-or-treating scene.
Here are some trick-or-treating safety tips to help you and your kids enjoy a fun and safe Halloween season this year!
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Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
Avoiding Injuries
Spooky season is an exciting and fun time for little ones. But it’s also a time when kids can be at an increased risk for injuries, including serious ones. A study from JAMA Pediatrics says 4- to 8-year-old children experienced a 10-fold increase in pedestrian fatality risk on Halloween. The highest risks were around 6 pm when daylight fades.
To start, consider vehicular traffic to help keep kids safe at night. One of the best things parents can do is focus on traffic safety. Just because it’s Halloween doesn’t mean everyone will be mindful on the road.
A great way to keep track of your child walking around is to have them wear bright-colored costumes, trick-or-treating bags, or accessories. Always remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks. Don’t forget to always look both ways before crossing!
Consider Costume Safety
When it comes to trick-or-treating safety tips, it’s important to make sure your child’s costume fits well. If they’re wearing a mask, make sure they can see out of it. A great alternative to a mask is creating a custom makeup look. TikTok and YouTube are filled with fun, spooky, and creative makeup tutorials for just about any costume out there!
However, trick-or-treating safety tips also apply to makeup. The FDA recommends checking its list of color additives to see if the colors are FDA-approved. If they aren’t approved for their intended use, don’t use them, the agency says. This is especially important for colored makeup around the eyes. Taking the time to check the ingredients in face paint and makeup products can help prevent allergic reactions.
The FDA recommends testing makeup for a possible allergic reaction at least 24-48 hours in advance. Put a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it. If a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, that may be a sign of a possible allergy.
Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label, the FDA says, adding that if you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon. Find more trick-or-treating safety tips from the FDA here.
Help Prevent Food Allergies
Remember to consider food allergies when you’re out collecting treats. Most parents of children with food allergies inform their kids that unknown candy could pose a potential risk. But as an extra precaution, it doesn’t hurt to remind them to bring all candy home first before unwrapping and eating it.
Check Candy
Trick-or-treating safety tips include checking candy; it’s essential to always inspect your child’s candy before they eat it. “Tell your kids not to eat any candy until they get home”, said Gerard Lennon, crime prevention officer at Adelphi University and retired NYPD lieutenant.
You don’t want them eating candy in wrappers that have been tampered with.
“Check all candy for open wrappers. If they’re open—even just slightly—toss them in the trash,” Lennon said. Also, throw away any loose candy. All candy should be completely wrapped to ensure safety.
Setting Boundaries with Your Teens
Is your teen going out with friends this year to trick-or-treat? If so, be sure to set some ground rules for a fun but safe time. It’s best to do it together.
First, ask your teen to stay in touch with you throughout the night and ensure their phone is fully charged. A portable charger is a great way to keep the phone working through the evening.
Also, find out which places or areas your teen will be going. Encourage them to always stay with their group of friends and check in with you periodically. Finally, agree on a curfew.
Instituting these boundaries with your teen can help bring you peace of mind and also help ensure their overall safety.
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