Make it a Safe Halloween for All Trick-or-Treaters
Every Halloween, children envision ghosts, goblins, and the possibility of amassing a treasure trove of candy. On the other hand, concerned parents worry about their children’s safety during this yearly candy-gathering ritual.
“Halloween is a cherished tradition, but the excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful,” says Allstate Field Vice President Thomas Clarkson. “There’s no real ‘trick’ to making Halloween a treat for the entire family. Both children and adults need to think about safety on this annual day of make-believe.”
The following tips from the Allstate Insurance Company and the National Safety Council offer some excellent guidelines for ensuring that children have a fun and SAFE Halloween:
– Ensure children under age 12 are supervised by an adult or older responsible youth. Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters intend to follow.
– Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
– Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well lit, never enter a stranger’s home and establish a return time.
– Drivers should watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
– Dress children only in fire-retardant costumes.
– Keep costumes hemmed so they don’t cause children to trip. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
– Decorate Halloween costumes with light-colored and light-reflecting material if kids will be out after dark.
– Use facial make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
– Give children an early meal before sending them trick-or-treating. Tell children not to eat any treat until they return home and – when in doubt, throw it out
Memories of Halloween trick-or-treating last for years after the candy is gone. Make it a safe holiday by looking out for young participants taking part in one of our oldest annual traditions.
Source: Allstate