Do you remember how much fun it was to get dressed up as your favorite action hero, cartoon character or princess and go door to door for Halloween treats? Well, your children can now experience that same joy. Just as your parents did for you, now it’s your turn to prevent Halloween accidents and injuries by supervising your children closely. Here are some safety tips to help you out.
Costume Precautions
- Do not let children wear baggy, loose or long costumes, as they are difficult to walk in and can be tripping hazards.
- Purchase wigs, costumes and accessories that are fire-retardant.
- Select face makeup and paint that is labeled as “FDA Approved” or “Non-toxic” to prevent allergic reactions.
- Place reflective tape on your children’s costumes and candy buckets if they are going trick-or-treating at night. This will make them more visible to motorists.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
- Remind children to walk only on the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Instruct children to never enter someone’s home to receive candy unless you are with them.
- Do not allow children under 12 years old to go trick-or-treating by themselves. Also, plan out a route with older children before they leave the house.
- Remind children to never approach or get into a car with a stranger offering them candy.
- Once your children get home, inspect their candy and throw away treats that are unwrapped, homemade or suspicious-looking.
- Do not allow young children to eat hard candy, gum or items with small ingredients such as peanuts, since these treats are all choking hazards.
Pumpkin Carving Tips
- Only carve pumpkins on a flat surface with good lighting, such as a kitchen table.
- Use a pumpkin-carving kit that includes tools appropriate for the task.
- Young children should draw on the pumpkin with markers and parents should do the carving for them.
- Place lit jack-o’-lanterns away from flammable objects such as sheets and curtains, and only use votive candles or battery-operated tea lights.
- Never leave a lit jack-o’-lantern unattended, especially when children or pets are nearby.
Working Solutions’ hopes you have a happy and safe Halloween!