Halloween is a fun time to go through the traditional route of going door to door to get candy, go to Disneyland for the Halloween Time or to go to a party. Here are some tips parents should know so that children can stay safe and have fun.
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Plan and designate a route before children go trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it. Accompany your kids if you don’t think they’re old enough to trick or treat. If they are, encourage them to go in groups.
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Pick a route where there will be a lot of people around. They should avoid taking short-cuts through alleys or non-lighted areas.
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Tell your children to only visit houses with lights on or Halloween decorations on the porch.
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Discuss not going into someone’s houses. They can get the candy from the porch.
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Don’t let children carve a pumpkin unsupervised. For young children, have them draw on a pumpkin with a marker.
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Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.
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Dress children in bright costumes or have them wear reflective strips. Also make sure the costumes are flame resistant.
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Review with your children the principle of “stop-drop-roll” should their clothes catch on fire.
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Carry a glow stick or a flashlight (with new batteries).
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Instead of masks, have kids wear hypoallergenic face paint so they can see.
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Educate your children to never accept a ride or go anywhere with a stranger. Also encourage kids to follow rules of looking both ways before crossing and obeying all general traffic laws.
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Secure an emergency identification number under the Halloween costume.
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Check your kids’ candy before they eat it and throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with. Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
Halloween Safety Tips References:
