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7 Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

trick-or-treat-safety

Photo credit: Getty Images

While Halloween is undoubtedly a seasonal highlight for kids and adults alike, there are a few precautions parents should take to ensure this spooky night doesn’t turn into a scary one.

Here are a few tips to make this holiday happy.

1.Avoid Masks

Although masks are an easy addition to any costume, they can cause impaired or obstructed vision, increasing the odds that a child might trip or unknowingly walk into something dangerous. To make sure your little monster doesn’t take a tumble, it’s best to stick with non-toxic face paint to craft that ghoulish grin.

2.Reflective Gear is a Must

Whether it’s shoelaces, candy bags or a bracelet, including reflective items on your child’s costume is an easy and effective way to increase their visibility. Kiddos think they’re too cool for reflective gear? Arm them with glow sticks instead. They’re a fun and functional way to get noticed.

3.Flame-Free Pumpkins

Glow sticks or battery-operated candles are one of the smartest substitutions you can make to protect your kids and passersby from burning themselves on your lit jack-o-lantern. If you insist on using real candles, opt for small tea lights lit by long fireplace matches. Never leave pumpkins with lit candles unattended in your home or on your walking path.

4.Use Caution with Costumes

You can never be too careful when it comes to costumes. Always choose ensembles made from 100 percent synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester. As long as a costume doesn’t ignite under 3.5 seconds, it will pass the federal flammability requirements and be deemed fit to sell. That means that although costumes on the market have passed the federal test, they can’t be considered flame resistant. To stay on the safe side, avoid costumes with long trains, capes or glitter, which can easily graze a jack-o-lantern. Don’t forget to keep costumes at an appropriate length to avoid tripping and avoid accessories and props with sharp or jagged edges.

5.Buddy Up

It’s always important to emphasize the buddy system with your children. If they’ve outgrown treat-or-treating with parents, encourage them to stay with their group, use sidewalks and avoid strangers. An earlier start to the evening is not only safer, it also allows your kids to be first in line for the best candy bars on the block.

6.Candy Check-Up

A candy check shouldn’t just be a concern for parents of children with allergies. Every parent should sift through their little one’s loot bag before letting them eat one of their goodies. Discard any items with open wrappers, unrecognizable labels and play it safe and ditch homemade treats. To combat eager little eaters, have your own bowl of safety-approved snacks ready for them to nibble on while you finish your inspection.

7.Protect Pets Too

It’s easy to get caught up in the heaping mound of candy your kids have just acquired, not realizing that Fido is also digging in for his fair share. Always be sure to stow your candy out of your furry friend’s reach. Certain amounts of chocolate can poison your pooch and candies containing an artificial sweetener called Xylitol can cause lasting damage as well.

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