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For families that celebrate it, Halloween can be a special day, full of fun and adventure. Most kids love the excitement of dressing up in costume, pretending to be something or someone different, going to places that are festive and decorated, and gathering treats with their parents and friends. |
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But it can be a confusing time too. Children are told all year that they shouldn’t take candy or anything else from strangers, and on this night, they’re encouraged. Places and things look different at night than they do in the day. And there are lots more people out and about. In this confusion, children can be easily frightened by the sight of a mask or wig or even someone dressed as a friendly character. To minimize panic, injury, and the possibility of your children being separated from you, take some time to plan out the evening. It can make a big difference in making sure everybody has a great time. |
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| Keep adult celebrations separate from children’s. Make sure activities are fit for your children’s psyche and don’t pressure them to be different. Some children like going out, some prefer to stay at home to greet others. Avoid meltdowns by not staying out too late, allowing time to wind down, and sticking to your child’s nighttime routine (like baths, reading) once you return home. |
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• Choose light and bright costumes so your children are clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate costumes with reflective tape (available at hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores). Have your child carry a flashlight or glow stick or wear a glow necklace, too. |
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• Do not send your child out alone. Always make sure older children travel in groups and younger children are accompanied by a parent, guardian or other trusted adult. |
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| Walk, don’t run. Cross at corners or crosswalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Remember, an accident = Unsafe condition + unsafe action | ||
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| Even normally calm and friendly animal become stressed and upset because of the added commotion and people are dressed differently. Do not let your pet have access to chocolate, which is poisonous to both dogs and cats. Keep candles up high so that wagging tails don't accidentally knock them over and start a fire. |
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| • Plan your route that is familiar ahead of time and tell your kids. Let them know of well-lit safe houses where your kids can wait for you or for another adult with a group of kids so he/she can phone you, should they be separated. • Have a older child or adult leader and adult sweeper to make sure your pack stays together. • Make sure your children have their home phone number AND adult group leader’s cell phone number memorized or tagged on them. Remember, most people, especially children, if they feel lost, panic, and may not remember their phone number. |
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| Map out your route beforehand. Note if there are any Megan's Law offenders in the area and avoid those homes (http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm). Stick to familiar neighborhoods, and no darting between parked cars. Do not use alleys or dark side-streets as a short cut. Carry a flashlight or light stick. | ||
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| Watch out for others’ lawns and all decorations. Don’t cut across yards. You could trip on a decoration or yard hazard, plus it’s disrespectful. Instead, approach houses from well-lit driveways and sidewalks. | ||
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| During Halloween, children are encouraged to talk to strangers. Let your children know that it’s okay to approach a stranger or talk to him/her when with a trusted adult. Be consistent with the message that if they do talk to strangers, they should let you know about it. And remind them never to enter stranger’s home or car. | ||
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| A child with a full stomach is less likely to eat the candy before you can check it. | ||
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| • Before you venture out, talk to your kids about all the treats the will be getting and how fun it will be to divide it up so it can be enjoyed over several days. Or take the excess to charity. • Parents should check the candy bags when their kids get home. Parents whose children have food allergies should remove candies that could trigger reactions in their kids. And parents with younger children should look for items that could cause choking. When in doubt, throw it out. |
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| If you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters, make sure your walkway and doorstep is well-lit and your yard and porch is clear of bikes, skateboards, wires/cables, ladders, rakes, hoses, flower pots and other obstacles that can trip young ones. If possible, use glow sticks or battery-operated lights to light pumpkins instead of candles. | ||
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| A child’s field of vision is narrower than an adult’s and they can’t determine the direction of sounds. They overestimate their own abilities, are easily distracted, and are prone to sudden movement. They are in a big hurry to make the rounds and often cross the street in the middle of the block rather than at corners and crosswalks. They’re likely to take the shortest route rather than the safest. | ||
------------------------------------------------- ©2008 Aware Gear, WhoTats. All rights reserved.
http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/safetyfirstaid/a/halloween_safty.htm |
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Copyright © 2008-2009 WhoTats, Aware Gear All Rights Reserved.