Safety Tips for Halloween Trick or Treaters and Family Pets

2017 - Safety Tips for Halloween

Trick-or-Treaters & Family Pets

Halloween and Trick-or-Treating is supposed to be lots of fun ... 

And scarrrrrryyyyyy!  

Outlandish costumes.  Free candy.  Parties.  Trick-or-Treating with friends. 

It's the perfect holiday for kids ... right?

But danger and dangerous situations can lurk on Halloween too.  Extra preparations, planning, and precautions are needed in order to  ensure that  Halloween is fun and memorable for all the right reasons. 

For both kids and adults alike ... the selection of Halloween costume is important.  Whether purchased or homemade, a costume needs to be safe, comfortable, and hazard-proof.   

While making your costume selection, consider these tips: 

• Make sure that ALL costumes are made of flame retardant materials  
• Choose light-colored costumes, if possible       
• When wearing a mask, do not limit or compromise your eyesight in any way
• Wear sturdy comfortable shoes.  (Think about foregoing high heels)
• Pre-Test any Halloween makeup you will be wearing in advance for possible reactions. 
• Wear/apply only non-toxic makeup 
• Place reflectors, flashing or glowing lights, reflector ropes, etc., on a costume that will be worn at dark.  Or have your child carry a light stick or flashlight (remember to check the batteries) to heighten visibility
• Make sure that a costume fits properly, as to avoid tripping or pieces of clothing (or Props) getting in the way or snagged on objects
• Place your telephone number somewhere on your child, just in case you get separated from them  
• Do NOT let children carry hard plastic items, such as swords, scythes, or other safety hazards.  Items such as these should be flexible to prevent harm if fallen on

Before or During Trick-or-Treating:

• Have children eat a meal/healthy snack prior to heading out to Trick-or-Treat.  They are less tempted to indulge themselves with candy if you do.
• Do not eat homemade treats received from households
• If your child has allergies, think about utilizing gloves in their costume.  This is an added protection for them during a vulnerable time.
• Children should be accompanied by an adult.  The larger the group of children, the more adults needed
• Make sure children have "buddies" or Trick-or-Treat in tandem with another
• Plan a safe route and stick to it.  If older children are allowed to go in a group, make sure someone within the group has a cell phone
• Restrict routes to main, well-lit areas.  Tell children NO Alleys
• Stick to Trick-or-Treat hours established for your area ... or curfews
• Instruct your children to not eat any candy until you have inspected it
• Instruct children to NEVER enter the home they are visiting ... or a car of a stranger without your permission
• Have "that talk" with your child about destroying property and vandalism and respect for others 
• Remember to check both ways when crossing a street.  Hold the hands of little ones within the group, to make sure they do not dart into traffic

And for Teen Trick-or-Treaters and Adults: 

• If driving to a party, please drive safely.  Remain extra vigilant and aware 
• Take a cell phone with you
• If driving, make sure you have plenty of gas to get to your destination and back.  Halloween is not the night to run out of gas
• Follow curfews.  Law enforcement is strict  surrounding Halloween
• Should plans change, let your parent(s) or another adult know
• Vandalism is wrong, no matter the season or holiday. Don't get caught-up in the moment and come to regret it
• Download the Red Cross Emergency First Aid App.  One is available for humans ... and pets too 
• Carry your child's emergency medications with you, just in case

And don't forget to protect the safety of your furry family members: 

• If out Trick-or-Treating, do NOT provoke animals, whether in a doorway or in a yard
• Do not ever feed a pet any candy.  Candy, especially  chocolate, can be lethal to an animal.  Think about stashing the treats
• Sugar-free (artificial sweetener xylitol) can also cause serious health issues for pets
• Halloween can be a day of stress for family pets.  Place them out of danger.  Restrict them to an area where they can find quiet and less-stressful activities
• If you are the owner (or caretaker) of a black cat, bring them inside.  People can be mean, especially on this particular holiday
• Should you dress-up your pet, do not restrict their movements or eyesight, impede their breathing, or have anything dangling off them or their costume
• If your pet will be wearing a costume, try it out before Halloween day.  Let them get accustomed to the costume
• Never leave your pet unsupervised while they're wearing their Halloween costume
• Do not allow your pet near pumpkins, especially if they contain an open flame
• Be mindful of electricity sources or electrical cords.  No chewing!
• If your pet is accompanying you while Trick-or-Treating, make sure they have updated tags and ID's on their collar ... or consider having them micro-chipped
• Pick-up and dispose of all empty candy wrappers and Trick-or-Treat bags.  Place glow sticks, etc. up and out of reach. They can be hazardous if ingested
• Be aware of mischievous activities and people during Halloween season

Follow the above and your Halloween celebrations will be memorable for safe, fun, and tasty reasons!