Halloween is a cherished tradition for children and adults. However, the excitement the night brings can cause parents and children to forget the simple things that help keep our family and community safe. The major dangers are not from witches or spirits but rather from everyday things that we may fail to stay aware of. On this day of ghosts, goblins, sweet little treats, and the occasional scare, remember the following things to help stay safe.
Parents
- Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
- Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.
- Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
- Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
- Establish a return time.
- Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.
- Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.
- Give children an early meal before going out.
- Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Drivers
- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
Children
- Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
- Walk, do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
- Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
