From candy to costumes, Halloween is an exciting time for kids! While the holiday is a day full of good fun, and of course, good scares, it can also bring a night of concern for parents as kids may be walking beside busy roads in the dark and trick-or-treating in neighborhoods they aren’t as familiar with.
While the traditions of Halloween often counteract everyday child safety protocols, like not talking to strangers or taking candy from strangers, it is important to explain the dangers of trick-or-treating to your kids and take proper precautions so everyone can enjoy the holiday. Here are a few tips for a fun and safe Halloween:
Before Halloween:
Choose bright costumes and have children carry flashlights or glow sticks so they are easily visible (Hint – add reflective tape to their costumes and candy bags!).
Plan a trick-or-treat route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
Make sure your children know your cellphone number, their home telephone number, and home address in case you get separated. Consider giving them a cellphone for the night so they can reach you easily.
Teach your children how to call 911 in an emergency.
Teach children to say “NO!” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. Tell them to try everything they can to escape, including yelling, hitting and kicking.
On Halloween:
Make sure older children take friends and stay together while trick-or-treating.
Never send younger children out alone – they should be with a parent, guardian or another trusted adult.
Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats.
Don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.
Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
Only cross the street at crosswalks.
Consider getting a Child ID kit through Print IDs:
You can never be too prepared in the case that something happens to your child. God forbid something happens, it’s helpful to have information that helps identify your child at the ready to hand to law enforcement the instant you report your child missing. Each Child ID kit includes:
A set of fingerprints
A DNA swab
A current photo
Cards detailing your child’s physical descriptions – including scars, birthmarks and other identifying features
To order your kit today, contact us today at 515-259-0578.