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14 Tips To Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween.

By Melissa Shrader Editor/Publisher Fort Collins Macaroni Kid October 28, 2018


Kids will be kids. They all love to go out and collect candy and enjoy some fun with their friends.  It's easy from time to time they get so excited they don't consider safety. Here are a few tips for keeping everyone safe at any age. 

1.     Young children should not trick-or-treat alone. If you can't go with your child make sure they are in a group with a trusted parent or two. 

2.     Older children should have a route in mind and not vary from it if possible (we know how kids are). This will help you know where they will be at all times as well as when they will be home. Make sure they have a cell phone to contact you in case of emergency (or you can contact them).

3.     Always incorporate a reflective component to your kids costumes. Reflective tape on your child's costume, a flashlight, a glow stick or some safety element in the costume will help make your kids more visible to cars.

4.     Do NOT let your kids go though back alley's or places that are private. This invites all kinds of trouble and can also be trespassing. Make sure everyone stays in well lit, well populated areas.

5.     Stop only at houses where the lights are on. Light's on means the occupants are not only participating in the Halloween tradition but they still have candy or some sort of treat available. Especially if they are out later. 

6.     Be wary of pets. Always ask to pet dogs or other pets.

7.     Remember Stranger Danger. Never go into the home or get in the car of a stranger.

8.     Walk, don’t run. Stay on well-lit streets and walk on the sidewalk. Use a crosswalk when available and never cross the street between cars. It is dark and not everyone see's well at night. 

9.   Make sure their masks fit properly and the eye holes allows them to see fully. Don’t let them wear a mask that is too lose as it can slip and block their vision. Don't put them in a consume that is to tight as it can be constricting.  Make sure kids are comfortable with a mask. Make up works much better if you can manage it. 

10.   Keep costumes up from the ground. Tripping can ruin a fun night of Trick or Treating. Test Make up for allergic reactions and remove before bedtime to avoid irritations. 

11.   Keep props flexible. Use rubber swords, knives etc if possible not hard plastic. 

12.   Watch for Jack O' Lanterns with candles in them. Especially if their costume is long or has loose threads/TP or other flammable items on it. 

13.   ALWAYS look at the candy they collect throughout the night prior to eating it especially if they visited houses that they don't have a history with.

14. Watch yard props. Some are triggered by movement and can startle even the most seasoned trick or treater if distracted. Make sure they are aware of their surroundings.

15. Don't forget to check treats to make sure they are good and at the same time you can pick treats to give the Switch Witch or so go to Candy Buy Back. 

16. If you are driving - watch for kiddo's not in reflective clothing. Inexperienced drivers might want to stay home according to the National Safety council  (use your judgment). 


NOTE: Make sure to have FUN! Don't get caught up in safety but be as aware as you can. 

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