(NC) Trick-or-treating is a family favourite that lets kids enjoy dressing up and indulge their sweet tooth. Whether they’re going out alone, with friends, or with you, here are some ways to keep them safe.
Keep costumes safe. Dress little ones appropriately for the weather so they can stay warm and comfortable for an extended time outdoors. Make sure their disguises are light-coloured and flame resistant, and aren’t too long as this can present a tripping hazard. Use face paint instead of masks that can limit vision.
Set boundaries. If your kids are going out with friends, set limits on where they can go so they stay familiar with their surroundings. Set a reasonable curfew time that lets them have fun and gets them home at a decent hour; this year Halloween is on a school night.
Create candy rules. Even if you’re with them, a good rule of thumb is to wait to get home and have parents examine the candy to make sure it’s safe to eat. If you’re worried about being tempted while out and about, bring snacks from home in case anyone gets hungry.
Teach walking safety. Make sure your kids know to follow basic traffic safety even amidst all the hustle and bustle of Halloween. Key tips include: only crossing at crosswalks or intersections; hitting up houses on one side of the street first to avoid crisscrossing across the road; and looking both ways before crossing the street.
Stay bright. It’s important to stay visible to vehicles, especially since it’s getting dark out early. Give your kids a light-reflective sticker for their costume. The stickers are free from ADT Canada and are specially designed so that light from passing cars make them shine brightly, helping to protect your children as they go door-to-door to trick-or-treat.
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