Halloween Safety Tips for Kids

When it comes to holiday traditions, trick-or-treating is a kid favorite. There's nothing quite so fun as dressing up in crazy costumes, exploring the neighborhood after dark, and bringing home a bucketful of candy.

Keep your little witches and goblins safe this Halloween by following some simple holiday safety tips:

1. Wear light-colored costumes and reflective tape

Prevent accidents by making sure your kids can be seen by neighborhood drivers. Dress kids in light-colored costumes and attach strips of reflective tape so they will stand out in the dark.

2. Carry a flashlight

Flashlights make it easier for kids to safely find their way after dark. A lit flashlight makes kids more visible to passing drivers and other trick-or-treaters. It also helps them to avoid tripping on front porch stairs or yard decorations.

3. Stay on sidewalks or shoulders

Sidewalks are the safest place for trick-or-treaters to make their way around the neighborhood. Kids should avoid cutting through dark yards or alleys. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the shoulder (far edge) of the road facing traffic.

4. Avoid masks that obscure vision

Scary masks can be the perfect touch to Halloween costumes, but you don't want them to keep your kids from seeing well in the dark. Check visibility while still at the store to avoid problems at trick-or-treat time.

5. Stay in a group or with a parent

Young kids should trick-or-treat with at least one parent in tow. When older kids are ready to head out on their own, make sure they stay together. It's also a good idea to send a cell phone along in case there are problems.

6. Be careful of strangers

Trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood is generally safe, but kids should be reminded of how to be safe around strangers. For example, kids shouldn't enter anyone's house or go off with people they don't know.

7. Test costume makeup and remove it promptly

If your kids decide to wear costume makeup, test it on a small area of skin first for signs of allergy or irritation. After celebrating, be sure to remove all the makeup before your kids go to bed for the night.

8. Check candy before eating

Before kids start enjoying their holiday treats, be sure to perform a candy safety check. Look for ripped wrappers or other signs of tampering, and remove candy that could be a choking hazard for very young children. If your kids have any food allergies, sort out any treats that could cause a serious reaction.

Halloween is a kid-friendly holiday which is easy for everyone to enjoy with just a few simple safety tips for kids.