Keeping your kids safe on #Halloween!

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays! This is the first year E will actually be able to do some trick or treating. Since safety is always my first priority when it comes to my child, I've compiled a list of helpful Halloween safety tips for parents with children of all ages. Some of these tips you may already be aware of but others may be new to you!

Source

Tips for parents and trick-or-treaters:

• Don't allow your child(ren) to go Trick or Treating alone. In most situations there’s often safety in numbers so make sure older children Trick or Treat with a large group of friends. An adult should always accompany young children.
• Have your child stick to familiar neighborhoods.
• Only visit homes that are well-lit and look welcoming (i.e. decorated for the occasion).
• Don't enter any home without prior permission from parents.
• Avoid isolated, dark, or otherwise scary areas and if possible, avoid Trick or Treating after dark altogether especially if your neighborhood is not well lit.
• Plan a route before Trick or Treating and make sure that others know where you’re going to be.
• Always have your child carry a cell phone. 
• Make sure to have a flashlight, glow stick and/or reflective clothing.
• Abide to curfews. Most towns now have curfews on in place for your child's safety on Halloween. If not, make sure to have your own reasonable curfew in place for your child.
• Always inspect your child's candy. Discard candy with torn wrappers, that aren't commercially wrapped (i.e. homemade goods, etc), anything that looks as it have may have been tampered with.  

Costume safety:

• Make sure your child's costume fits properly to prevent accidents such as tripping. 
• Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
• With Halloween masks, make sure that children can see and breathe easily.
• All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.

A great alternative to Trick or Treating is for parents to organize parties at home or attending Trunk or Treating events which are usually organized by local churches, community groups, and recreation centers. 

What tips do you have for keeping kids safe on Halloween?

"Crime Prevention: Know the Rules....Safety Tips for Halloween." http://www.troopers.ny.gov/ n.d. October 2012 <http://www.troopers.ny.gov/Crime_Prevention/Halloween_Safety/Halloween_Safety_Tips/>
"Halloween Safety Tips A Night For Treats, Not Tragedies." http://complianceandsafety.com/ n.p. 2012. October 2012 <http://complianceandsafety.com/safety-tips/halloween-safety-tips.php>