Monday, October 24th, 2011
Crunching leaves. Colorful costumes. Candy galore. Halloween is a magical and memorable time for children. Be sure they enjoy it to the fullest by following these practical and simple guidelines.
Trick or Treating
- Wear flame resistant costumes and accessories. Avoid flimsy materials and baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
- Add reflective tape to children’s costumes and trick-or-treat bags so cars can see them.
- Use a flashlight.
- Wear sturdy shoes, not oversized high heels.
- Use cosmetics and face paint instead of cloth that covers one’s eyes, mouth and nose.
- Choose props and accessories that are short, soft and flexible.
- Accompany young children, walk – don’t run, and stay on the sidewalk.
- Plan and review older kids’ routes, determine a time to be home and be sure they go in a group
- Approach only houses with porch lights on as a sign of welcome. Never enter a home or car for a treat.
Treat Safety
- Instead of candy, consider coloring books, crayons or Halloween pencils
- Eat a good meal before trick-or-treating to discourage youngsters from filling up on candy
- Inspect treats for tampering before children eat them; discard anything that isn’t factory sealed
- Dole out treats over several days or weeks to make them last and avoid sugar highs and lows
Pumpkin Carving
- Small children can draw a face with markers and let parents do the cutting
- Use a flashlight, glow stick or votive candle to light your pumpkin
- Place candlelit jack-o’-lanterns inside on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects; don’t leave them unattended
Home Safety for Trick-or-Treaters
- Remove hazards from the porch and front yard – anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations
- Turn on outdoor lights
- Remove wet leaves from sidewalks and steps
- Restrain pets when answering the door
- Use battery-operated lights in outside pumpkins and keep them away from landings and doorsteps
Posted Monday, October 24th, 2011, 1:00 pm | Holiday | Follow Responses via RSS | Trackback |
