Halloween is a special time for kids, but it's also very dangerous. According to Safe Kids USA, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than the rest of the year. Falls are more likely too, as little ones are often wearing masks that hinder vision and costumes they might not be used to walking in. But Halloween doesn't have to be scary for parents -- just follow some of these safety tips for a night of spooky fun.
Costume Care
When choosing your child's costume, it's important to get his input, but you need to have a say too. Make sure it's brightly colored, or add reflective tape or stickers so your child is more visible at night. If it comes with a mask, you may want to consider using nontoxic face paint instead, or if your child insists on the mask, make sure it fits properly and he can see OK. The costume and all of the parts should be flame resistant and fit properly. Too-big costumes can easily catch fire from the flame of a jack-o-lantern.Before You Go Trick-or-Treating
If your children are under age 12, they should not go trick-or-treating without a grown-up. Try to have at least one adult for every four children, especially if they are preschoolers. Discuss safety rules -- what to do if they become lost or separated from you. When planning your trick-or-treating fun, try to go before it gets dark, either early or late afternoon. If that's not possible and you go when it is dark, have everyone in your party a flashlight (check the batteries first). Talk to your child before you go out and go over the rules: trick-or-treating only at homes where the lights are on and they should never ever enter anyone's home unless the grown-up they are with goes inside with them.On the Road
Go over the rules of the road: Staying on the sidewalk (if your neighborhood has them) not to run, stop at street corners and driveways and the proper way to cross the street. For little ones, hold their hands at all time. Chances are your little one will want to eat her candy while you are walking. Explain they are not to eat anything unless you check it first. You may want to bring some snacks with you while you walk to avoid the temptation or eat a healthy lunch, dinner or snack before you set off. Checking candy is especially important if your child has allergies. Read all labels. Children under four should not eat foods that can pose a choking hazard like gum, hard candy or popcorn.Candy Safety
Tell your child he'll be able to eat some but he mustn't try anything unless you check it first. When checking your child's candy, there are a couple things to keep in mind. Carefully review each individual piece, checking for pinholes or tears. If candy doesn't have a wrapper it should be discarded. If a treat is homemade, best to throw it out unless you know the giver well. If your child has an allergy, read labels carefully. And avoid giving a child under 4 potential choking hazards -- gum, popcorn, nuts and hard candies.Staying Safe at Home
It's important to practice safety on Halloween everywhere you go -- even at home. Preschoolers love trick-or-treaters but never let them open the door alone. Always accompany them when there is a knock on the door or a ring of the doorbell. Keep your screen door locked, your lights on both inside the house and outside. If you have a dog or a cat, keep them in another room so they don't bark or scare children. Make sure your front yard, walkway and front steps or porch are clear so children won't trip. Place lit jack-o-lanterns in a place where curious hands cannot reach them. Check your own candy before handing it out.
