Are your kids excited to dress up and grab as much candy as they can carry? Halloween 2022 is around the corner, and while trick-or-treating is a lot of fun, it’s important to keep in mind the various safety concerns that surround this annual activity. Here are tips from the American Red Cross about keeping everyone safe while enjoying the sugar-fueled merriment.
How to Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe This Halloween
Halloween is just days away. One of the most popular holidays in this country, masses of little super heroes, cartoon and television characters will soon be out in their neighborhoods for trick or treat fun. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region has tips parents can follow to help keep the kids safe while enjoying the festivities.
- Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen. Use face makeup instead of masks which could make seeing difficult. Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
- Use flame-resistant costumes.
- Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
- Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
- Walk, don’t run.
- Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door and never go inside.
- Walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
- Drivers — use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
- A grown-up should check all goodies before eating. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:
- Light the area well so young visitors can see.
- Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app for instant access to first aid advice and the free Emergency app for weather alerts. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
Help with Halloween Child Care
Need an extra hand this Halloween? We have babysitters and housekeepers that can help you get your house ready for a Halloween party, watch the little ones who aren’t old enough to trick-or-treat, or chaperone your candy-grabbers around the neighborhood. Contact us at (518) 348-0400 and let us know how we can help!