10 Tips to Make Your Halloween Safe

I wrote this article last year and thought I would repost and share it with you here...

Costumes, jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and candy are all tell tale signs that Halloween is here. Trick-or-treating is a favorite activity for many however it's important to take precautions so as to avoid any accidents. Here are 10 tips to ensure your Halloween goes off without a hitch.


1. Children should wear bright costumes that are reflective and flame retardant. Make sure if they wear long robes, capes or dresses that it's not too long to prevent tripping or catching fire from a jack-o-lantern.

2. Put pets in another room so as not scare the trick-or-treaters or inadvertently take a nip at one. Additionally, animals may become scared by the repeated ringing door bell and costumes.
3. If children are trick-or-treating without a parent, know where they're going and set a curfew for their return. Perhaps even given them your cell phone if they don't have one of their own.
4. Place jack-o-lanterns in a safe spot to prevent burning trick-or-treaters or it getting knocked over. An even better idea is to have an electric jack-o-lantern.
5. Give your child a flashlight, glow sticks, necklaces or bracelets. Doing so will ensure they are seen by oncoming vehicles.
6. Supervise small children during pumpkin carving. Small children are fascinated with the whole pumpkin carving process and will want to participate. So keep knives in a safe place away from little hands.
7. Set a curfew and have frequent check-ins perhaps via a cell phone.
8. Inspect all candy before it's eaten. Throw away any candy that is unwrapped or looks suspicious. Some hospitals will even x-ray candy.
9. Children should trick-or-treat in large groups and stay on the sidewalks and main streets. Also remind children not to go into people's homes. They should trick-or-treat at a house, say thank you and then move on to the next house.
10. Remind children about staying away from unfamiliar cars, never get into a car with a stranger, use care when crossing the street and only go to well lit houses.

Halloween is a time of fun and make-believe. And what is more fun than getting candy for just dressing up in a costume. Follow these 10 tips and I'm sure your Halloween will be fun for all.