Family Matters: Making Halloween Safe

Email to a friend Permalink

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Anisa Raoof, GoLocalWorcester Family Expert

Make their Halloween as spooky as fun as possible, but make sure they stay safe. Photo: vdrg dansschool/flickr.

As we prepare our kiddos for a fun day or evening of trick-or-treating, let’s also help make it safe for them.

The American Red Cross offers us some common sense safety tips worth repeating (and if you're looking for family-friendly Halloween activities in the area this weekend and even on Halloween Day, take a look right here).

Tips for making it a safe Halloween

Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.

Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms.

Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.

Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!)

Plan your route and share it with your family if you go only with friends. If possible, have an adult go with you.

Carry a flashlight to light your way.

Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable.)

Only visit homes that have the porch light on.

Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.

Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.

Be cautious of animals and strangers.

Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.

Read more safety tips at the Centers for Disease and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/f).