Halloween is a fun time that allows kids and adults alike to enjoy sweet treats while out and about in their community. However, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Although you might be looking for a good scare this Halloween, we want to make sure it’s not about your children’s health or safety. That’s why we present three ways to have a safe and healthy Halloween below!
1. Prepare healthy Halloween treats that kids will enjoy.
Obviously Halloween is known for the joy of sweet treats being passed out from neighborhood houses or festive events. One way to keep Halloween healthy this year is by making home-made goodies that are still sweet but provide a better alternative to highly-processed, manufactured candy.
Some examples of healthy Halloween goodies are:
2. Dress Your Kids in Creative and Safe Costumes
Safe Kids Worldwide gives this information about creating safe costumes that are also fun:
- Use reflective tape and stickers to decorate costumes and bags, and try to choose lighter colors if possible
- Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, so consider switching them for FDA approved face paint or makeup
- Have your kids carry glow sticks or flashlights so they are seen more easily
- Make sure your child’s costume is the right size to help prevent trips or falls
A few other suggestions from ConsumerReports include:
- Never use decorative contact lenses because they can cause severe eye damage
- Buy costumes that are labeled “flame resistant” and avoid huge skirts or cloaks that could brush against lit candles or jack o’lanterns.
3. Travel Safely – Both By Foot and on the Road
Many accidents and injuries happen with the increase of foot traffic on roads, so we’re giving you information that can keep you safe when you’re out and about and help others stay safe when you’re behind the wheel.
When traveling by foot, remember to:
- Keep looking as you cross the street, making sure to check it before and during your crossing
- Put down your phone or camera and focus on walking safely, especially when you’re crossing a street
- Stay on the sidewalks as much as possible. If you can’t stay on a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.
- Keep kids on the most direct routes with fewest street crossings.
- Watch for parked cars that might be backing up.
When you’re in your car, you already know you should be extra careful, but here a few extra safety tips for your drive:
- Avoid passing stopped vehicles that might be dropping off children
- Put your cellphone down to avoid distracted driving
- Watch for kids crossing the street, and give them the right of way
- Use great communication with other drivers by making sure you always use your turn signals or by using your hazards when stopping to drop people off
Have a safe and healthy Halloween!
From our family to yours, we hope that everyone has a very happy, safe Halloween!
P.S. If you’re looking for trick or treat sites and times, click here!
Resources:
https://www.safekids.org/halloween
https://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips
https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/halloween-costume-tips-to-keep-kids-safe/
https://www.progressive.com/vehicle-resources/halloween-safety/
Medical Disclaimer
