Kidsguide Magazine Online
Oct. 23, 2009

It’s easy to get spellbound during Halloween. But in between trick-or-treating and planning the perfect costume, remember not to skimp on a few easy-to-do safety measures. Whether you’re a child or a child-at-heart, it’s good to keep the following tips in mind to ensure a merry – as opposed to scary – Halloween.

Here are some last-minute tips from our friends at Cypress Library.

Remember the buddy system. Don’t trick-or-treat alone. Older kids should use the buddy system, while little ones should be accompanied by an adult.

Watch the clock. Set a time limit for trick-or-treating, and try to do so while it is still light out. Plan out your route ahead of time so you know where your children will be.

Know the neighborhood. Remind kids to stay in neighborhoods they know, and to skip homes that are dark – that’s an indicator that either no one is home or the residents inside aren’t handing out candies.

Let your light shine. If your family’s trick-or-treating rounds stretch into the night, make sure to have flashlights at hand. Also, opt for brighter-colored costumes. If bright yellow isn’t a good look for your little dracula, add reflective tape to dark outfits so that motorists can easily see them. And speaking of costumes, make sure that costumes are made of flame-resistant material and fit properly to prevents trips and falls.

Before they dig in…Children should understand that they must inspect their candies with parents before eating them. Remind your little ones to skip eating unwrapped treats.

Consider a party. Not so sure if your child is ready to go trick-or-treating? Consider organizing your own Halloween neighborhood party, or attending city- and community-organized festivities as alternatives. Both options will still have the enjoyable features of Halloween, such as candies, the chance to ooh-ahh over fellow costumers’ outfits, and most are free. (To find a public event near you, check out Kidsguide’s online calendar here.)