Spooktacular Safety Tips and Tricks

Happy Halloween! With this fun and (at times) mischievous holiday right around the corner, it can be easy to get caught up in the tasty treats! However, don’t throw caution to the wind, as it is important to remain vigilant in protecting your property and your loved ones. Don’t worry, we’ve compiled some helpful hints to keep your Halloween full of fun!

?Trick or Treating: Street Safety & Costume Confidence

1. Ensure costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls! With all the creative and extravagant costume options, it is important to give it a “test-drive” around the house to prevent any unwelcome accidents!
2. Use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and treat bags to enhance visibility in the dark. We recommend this product from Amazon that can be placed around ankles, wrists, bikes, and other props!
3. You can also provide kids with flashlights or glow sticks to increase their visibility. This beanie hat features a headlight that makes safety cool and practical!
4. Try to avoid masks that obstruct vision and opt for face paint or makeup!
5. Plan a safe route and stick to well-lit areas.
6. Set a curfew and establish rules about staying together in groups.
7. Even if you’ve said it a million times, make sure you say it again: Don’t trust strangers, even with candy!

?Careful with Candy:

1. Inspect all candy before consumption, looking for any open or tampered packaging! There are many spooky stories about not so yummy things being placed into candy, to be extra careful!
2. Avoid homemade treats from strangers. You just never know what could be unintentionally added, which could either make you sick, or cause an allergic reaction!
3. Be mindful of allergies and check ingredient lists, especially those with peanut allergies! Many candies are made from factories that handle many different nuts, which could lead to contamination! Check out this allergy friendly candy list!

?Mind your Manners: Pets

1. Keep pets indoors or in a secure area to prevent them from getting stressed by the Halloween festivities. The constant doorbell ringing, excited visitors, and scary looking costumes can make even the toughest poodle nervous! It is best to keep your pets away from the commotion, perhaps investing in this handy (and portable) white noise machine!
2. If your pet is a part of your costume, or if they have their own, just make sure it is breathable! Also, don’t forget to stop for water! This product is a good option to bring water for your pup on the go!

?Decorations & Home Safety:

1. Keep walkways clear of tripping hazards like extension cords and decorations.
2. Use battery-operated candles or LED lights in pumpkins to reduce fire risk. We recommend this festive product that features color-changing and waterproof lights!
3. Secure outdoor decorations to prevent them from falling on trick-or-treaters!
4. Ensure your home is well-lit, motion detector outdoor lights are a good way to spook potential intruders!
5. Lock all doors and windows to prevent unauthorized entry. When you’re all done giving out candy, put up a sign that tells hopeful trick-or-treaters you’re all out of the goods, and that you’d appreciate no knocking or doorbell ringing!
6. Consider snagging a video doorbell to keep a watchful eye on who’s at your door!

?Neighborhood Watch & Trusty Chaperones

1. Consider hiring a babysitter for an extra set of eyes. With a bunch of kids (and adults) in costumes, it can be easy to lose track of your crew!
2. Exchange numbers with your neighbors, and make an agreement to keep an eye out for anything suspicious!
3. Make sure your children know your contact information and emergency numbers.

Halloween should be a time of enjoyment and excitement for children and families. By following these safety tips, you can ensure that the holiday remains a time of fun and memories rather than mishaps. Let’s work together to create a safe and memorable Halloween for everyone in our community. Happy Halloween!