Every year there are new ghouls and goblins out trick or treating. You can help keep your scary monster safe by checking in with these safety tips.
Health and COVID-19
Halloween can still observe COVID-19 safety protocols. Because kids under 12 can’t be vaccinated yet, many parents have found a good compromise by setting out a table on the porch or driveway and placing small, prepackaged bags of treats with instructions for visitors to take one bag.
When handing out candy, consider only individually wrapped items and peanut-free options for those who are allergic. Also, consider non-food treats like stickers, playing cards, toys, coloring books, and games. The teal pumpkin project is a safe way to let children with food allergies know that you are offering non-food treats and peanut-free treats at your home. Just display a picture of a teal pumpkin on your porch or driveway.
Feed your superhero, give them a good meal before setting out, so they are not tempted to overindulge in candy on an empty stomach.
Inspect the candy that comes home and throw away anything that is unwrapped or appears to be old or spoiled. If for some reason, your sports star ends up with candy they can’t eat, many dentist’s offices offer a candy buy-back every year and will offer prizes or money in exchange for the candy.
When decorating pumpkins, consider having your little pumpkin paint or use markers on his or her pumpkin. Leave the carving to the adults and consider battery-powered lights inside the pumpkin instead of candles.
Whatever costume your zombie chooses should be reflective to help with visibility and fit well to avoid tripping. If the costume calls for a cane, sword, wand, scepter, or stick, consider aluminum foil, cardboard, or foam board to achieve the look without the danger of pricking, poking, or impaling. Also, consider non-toxic makeup to achieve the desired look versus a mask that could obstruct vision. Any hats, crowns, tiaras should fit well and not slip down over the eyes. And avoid decorative contact lenses as these can be damaging to the eyes.
Remember to make your home well-lit and have an unobstructed path to the candy. Store away any garden hoses, toys, rakes, or tools from your yard so as not to trip visitors. Remove any leaves, snow, or refuse from pathways and restrain pets so that they do not frighten or injure visitors or run away.
Young trick or treaters should always be supervised by an adult and travel in groups with flashlights and replacement batteries to help light the way. They should only trick or treat at homes that are well lit, decorated, and generally known to them.
For your older independent tricksters, discuss which houses they will be visiting and when they should return home. They should remain in a group, stay on the sidewalk whenever possible, cross streets at the corner, not in between cars, and always look both ways. They should never enter a home or car to get candy.
Have a spooky fun, and safe Halloween.