Letter to Parents: Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating on Halloween

Personally, with our world as it is today, Trick-or-Treating has become a nerve-racking ordeal for me. I know, better than most people, that things happen. It doesn’t matter how much we tell ourselves, "That’ll never happen to us." It can . . . the possibility always exists. So, let’s do everything in our power to prevent accidents and bad experiences. Let’s do everything in our power to have a safe and fun Halloween.

Here are some common sense tips that will help all of us to be safe on Halloween:

1. Always keep your kids close by or at least within eyesight. Don’t let them go off Trick-or-Treating without an adult, regardless of how safe you may feel your neighborhood is. (I am speaking of possible threats to your kids’ safety in the shape of kidnaping, but there are other possibilities too. Let’s say, you let your 8 year old son go off Trick-or-Treating with a group of friends, when they’ve gotten enough candy to satisfy them, they return to one of their yards to play. They climb into a tree, or even just onto a porch, and someone falls. Your child could sprain an ankle or break an arm. How much longer would it take to get them the care needed if there was no adult around?)
2. When Trick-or-Treating, be sure that each individual is carrying some thing that lights up, or is reflective. Many costumes and treat bags have lights now. There are also light up Halloween necklaces and other generic light up reflectors you can use. Or you can have them carry a flashlight. This way drivers can easily spot them in the dark.
3. No matter how tempting, don’t eat your candy until it has been inspected. You, as the parent can decide how you want this done. You may be content with a quick visual inspection at home. Or you may want to take the candy to the local hospital or police station for x-ray. The facilities in your community can tell you where these services are offered on Halloween.
4. Get your Trick-or-Treating done within the hours alotted by authorities in your community. If there are other activities offered in your community, take part in those, as they are likely to be a safer alternative. (For example, in one of the towns we lived in, there is a Baptist Church that has activities on Halloween as an alternative to families. They offer games for all ages, prizes, candy, and sell refreshments. Our kids had a blast. Where we are living now, one of the families from the school is putting on a Halloween Party including Hay Rides, Trick-or-Treating, Games, and more.)

Again, these are all common sense reminders. However, I felt they were worth repeating. As I said, I know all too well that life happens, whether you’re prepared for it or not. But it is better to be prepared, and to be in the frame of mind to prevent the preventable. Whatever you do this Halloween, be safe and have fun.

Happy Halloween!!!

Sincerely,
Eve Lawson