Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday for kids and families but it is important to stay safe. Follow these tips to have a safe, healthy, and fun Halloween.

Fall is here which means Halloween is right around the corner. It is fun dressing up, being with loved ones, going trick-or-treating, or any other activities you enjoy. As always it is important to stay safe and healthy. Follow these tips from Nemours Kids Health to help your family have a great holiday.

Consider COVID and Other Illnesses

Even though COVID cases have decreased it is still smart to follow enhanced precautions during this time of year. Remember this time of year is popular for the common cold, flu, and other viruses.

• Kids who are not feeling well should not go to Halloween events or trick-or-treating to prevent the spread of illness to others
• You can purchase a mask that matches your child’s costume if you like
• If your child has an underlying health condition or compromised immune system, they should wear a mask
• Children under two years old should not wear masks ever
• If you will be giving treats out at your home consider sitting outside to give them out, or set up a table for the kids to pick up a treat themselves
• Have kids wash their hands after trick-or-treating

Dressing Up

There are several factors to consider when dressing up your little ones in a costume. Keep these tips in mind.

• It usually gets dark early during the fall months so try to pick a light-colored costume that is easy to see
• Add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark elements to your child’s costume or Halloween bag
• Make sure your child’s costume is made using flame-retardant materials
• Don’t use decorative contact lenses unless they are prescribed by a doctor
• Label your child’s costume with a name and phone number
• Make sure your child wears comfortable shoes
• Any props used should be safe

Trick-or-Treating Safety

Depending on where you live and how old your child is, come up with a trick-or-treating plan. Kids that are under 12 years old should always have an adult with them, know your phone number, and know how to call 911 in case of an emergency.

• Plan a trick-or-treating route
• Have kids that are old enough carry a cellphone with them (you may want to turn tracking on it)
• Go with a group and stay together
• Only go to houses with their lights on
• Instruct kids to never go into a person’s house or car
• The risk of being hit by a car is higher on Halloween, make sure kids know to walk on sidewalks and make sure to be on the lookout for traffic
• Bring a flashlight
• Check all your kid’s candy when you get home, and throw out anything that is already open or could cause choking

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Resources

1. Cronan, K. (Ed.). (2021, October). Halloween safety tips (for parents) – nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. Retrieved September 30, 2022