general halloween safety suggestions


		Items: , Value:


		Checkout

Online Catalogue > Articles > Halloween Articles > Halloween Safety

Here are some general Halloween safety suggestions. They are not definative and we accept no liability by publishing them, simply these are some of the common sense rules that we have adopted with our own (now grown up) children over the years.

All children enjoy the fun of getting dressed up in their costume and then going trick-or-treating. To keep it fun, everyone needs to understand some basics in-order that your children have a healthy and happy Halloween. Here are some very basic tips to help everyone enjoy the night;

Accompany your children if you don't think they are old enough to go out alone.
Although there is more fun trick-or-treating alone and it may be Halloween BUT the streets are the same as any other night. It maybe possible to organize a group of children to be accompanied by one or more parents.

Stay in groups and/or with the parent or group leader.
Small children should remain with their parents whilst the older children in the group should remain together.

Establish a route and stick to it.
This should be done before you start out and it should be identified to the parents of any child not going with the group. You should also clearly identify a time by which the group intends to return.

Trick-or-Treat where there are lots of people.
When deciding on the route, make sure that it only takes in areas where there are lots of people and houses. It should also avoid taking short cuts near canals or down alleyways, through parks or open land etc.

A torch is a must have item for each group.
Ensure the group has at least one torch and that each has fresh batteries and is working. A torch will assist the group to see and be seen by any vehicles in the streets. Although glow-sticks are popular, they will have a limited life span - they are good additions but should not be used as a replacement to a torch

Stay on the pavement.
Walk on the pavement wherever possible. If this is not possible, walk on the side of the road towards any oncoming traffic and use the torch to both identify obstacles and also to warn oncoming traffic of your being there. Don't run. Running may split the group and you may lose sight of each other.

Provide your child with emergency contact details.
This should be inside their clothes. Do not attach where others can see the name of your child.

Choose costumes sensibly.
Make sure that your child's costume is not too long creating a tripping hazard, for added safety, you can incorporate some day-glow strips on darker costumes to assist with visibility in the dark. It is also likely to be cool and most costumes look 'daft' with a coat over the top!

Painted faces are better than masks
Face paints or makeup restrict vision less than masks - and it is less intimidating too!

Only visit houses with the lights on.
It is important that your children only trick-or-treat at houses where the lights are on, better still, where there are Halloween decorations.

Do not enter any house.
Accept treats at the door only do not enter any house. Children should never go inside a house when trick or treating.

Do not eat anything until it has been inspected.
Anything handmade, unless you know the maker, should be discarded as should anything that is not in it's original wrapping.

Have Fun.
We live in difficult and constantly changing (and challenging) times. But it is still possible to have fun.