When it comes to choosing “trick or treat” for Halloween, most people would gladly choose “treat.” But, tricks can easily crop up, especially if people aren’t cautious or aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. From mapping out a well-lit trick or treat route to being extra alert on the roads on Halloween evening, there are several things you can do to make the holiday a safe and fun time for all.
Costume Caution
Halloween costumes should fit a person well, be brightly colored or have reflective tape on them, and they should be creative and fun. A costume that’s too big poses a tripping hazard while a dark colored costume can make a person difficult to see while trick or treating at dusk.
It’s usually a good idea to skip the mask, especially if a child is wearing the costume. Masks make it difficult for a person to see and can make it hard to breathe, especially if they cover the entire face.
Trick or Treat with Care
Children should trick or treat in groups and those under age 12 should have a responsible adult with them. If older kids want to trick or treat without an adult, make sure they have a cell phone on them and set a time for them to be back home. You can also plan out a route for the older kids to follow, so that you have a general idea of where they will be throughout the evening. A GPS tracker on a child’s phone will let you keep track of the route taken.
Along with having reflective tape on their costumes, trick or treaters should carry a flashlight in case it gets dark before they return home. Remind trick or treaters to only go to homes that have the lights on and not to go inside the houses of people they don’t know.
Clear a Path
If you’re expecting trick or treaters at your house, you want to make your porch or entryway as safe for them as possible. Turn on the outside lights, so that your home looks welcoming and so that trick or treaters can see clearly. While you might have some decorations along the front walkway or on your porch, make sure there’s a clear path so that people don’t trip. If you’re using carved pumpkins as decorations, use an electric candle, instead of a live flame.
Drivers Look Out Trick or Treaters
Drivers also need to be extra careful on Halloween, as young children might dart into the street while trick or treating or may be walking on the side of the road, if sidewalks aren’t available. Make your car more visible and increase your own visibility by turning on your headlights, even when it’s still light out. Drive slowly through residential areas and pay close attention to crosswalks and intersections, as children may be trying to cross.
