Everyone enjoys a good old-fashioned spook on Halloween, however, there is no room for such fright when it comes to the safety of trick-or-treaters.
The Aitken Home Team recommends three safety tips in order to ensure a successful, SAFE trick-or-treat experience:
1. – Plan Your Route
Perhaps your children are older, more seasoned trick-or-treaters and you feel comfortable sending them on their way, independent of adult supervision. Be sure to sit down and go over the specifics of a given route and have your children agree to stick to that route only. Incorporate only well-lit streets into your pre-planned route and only cross streets at crosswalks. If sidewalks are not available, encourage walking on grass or to the far edge of the road facing traffic. Remember: children are the most common victims of pedestrian accidents during Halloween. Avoid crossing between parked cars and teach your children to always assume they are not visible to drivers.
Make sure to equip your child with a flashlight and cellphone. If possible, check-in every 30 minutes or so to ensure safety.
2. – Avoid Costume Errors
Masks are known for limiting eyesight. Makeup and hats are a safer costume alternative and make for greater visibility for wearers. In addition, add reflective tape, striping, or neon paint to costumes and trick-or-treat bags in order to ensure your child is visible to others. The key is to remain bright and reflective.
3. – Safety in Numbers
Always, always, always travel in a pack whether you plan to go with your children or not. Unfortunately, a lone child is much easier to prey upon than a group of children. Train the group to be aware of their surroundings and if something looks unusual, avoid it!
Related: “Aitken’s Top 5 Spooky Haunts”