Halloween Safety Tips for Parents
Keep Your Child on His Feet
When choosing or creating a costume, make sure it’s short enough to allow your child to walk with ease. If you’ve borrowed a costume that’s too long, sew or tape a quick hem at the bottom.
Another option is to hike up the costume with a belt. Be on shoelace alert too and double-tie them before going out. Remind your child to watch out for pumpkins and other decorations on neighbors’ steps and porches, since these can also pose a tripping hazard.
Make Sure Your Child Stays Visible
Hitting the trick-or-treat trail while it’s still light outside is a great idea for young kids. Most cities host a Halloween trick-or-treating event like this. If you and your child will be out after dark, it’s a good idea to decorate the costume with strips of bright reflector tape (available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores). The tape will make your little one visible to cars and help you keep him in sight when he’s thronged by trick-or-treaters. Carry a small flashlight, too — it’ll come in handy for negotiating long walkways and dimly lit doorways. I love using glow sticks and glow in the dark jewelry for my kids. They are great fun as well as handy safety devices. Pass them out to the kids to wear so you can keep an easier eye on them.
Pass on Masks
Masks can make it hard for your child to see, breathe and cause limited vision. Be creative and safe by offering to paint his face with nontoxic makeup instead.
Candy Care
Before letting your child dig into that Halloween loot, scrutinize the treats for evidence of tampering. Carefully examine each wrapper to make sure there are no pinpricks or signs of opening. In addition, accept homemade treats only from neighbors you know, and cut up fruit before serving it. Even though your little one may have a mouth full of teeth, some candies are still a choking hazard. Keep an eye on them while snacking!
-by Kimberlee Mitchell
Campbell and Boyd Insurance Agency
20 Technology Dr, Ste 4
PO Box 1260
Brattleboro, VT 05302
tel: 802-257-9500
*photo courtesy of www.istockphoto.com
