Essential Safety Tips for Halloween
My first time trick-or-treating as a mom was absolutely horrible. Our daughter was 2 and dressed in the cutest little bumblebee costume (in fact, we decided to be a family of bumblebees that year). When the time came, we got dressed up and drove over to the street I’d heard was the best trick-or-treating for kids in our area. My husband was working late, so it was just us girls for a fun and festive night. However, I soon found myself high on my own adrenaline, panicking as we felt pushed through a massive crowd of other trick-or-treaters, including a bunch of little kids who were unrecognizable under the costumes and face masks. It felt like pandemonium and – especially as a first-time mom – my senses were through the roof. I simply wanted to be strong and not show fear in front of my daughter, keep her safe, get a few pieces of candy so she didn’t miss the experience, and get out of there.
The only goal in my mind was to survive the evening and not lose my precious kid (who, by the way, found the experience exhilarating). Later that night, I mandated that I would never, ever go trick-or-treating alone with the kid again…ever in life. In retrospect, it was a perfectly normal Halloween, with lots of smiling faces and laughter. In the moment, I didn’t think we’d make it out alive.
I share this story because it taught me a few things that I would change about the Halloween experience to make it safer and more enjoyable for both parents and kids. Whether preparing for trick-or-treating, throwing a Halloween party, or just decorating around the house, follow these Halloween safety tips to keep your night festive and fun. (And for the record, Halloweens since that first one have been MUCH better).
1. Label Your Children
We trick-or-treat in our own neighborhood, which is fairly safe. However, kids can sometimes get lost in all the excitement. Before leaving the house, add a label to the back of your kids’ costume with your name and phone number so that others can reunite you more easily should you become separated. If your kid doesn’t know your first name and phone number, now is a great time to help them memorize it. Painter’s tape is a perfect option; I write my information on it in black marker, then affix to the upper back shoulder area of my child’s costume.
2. Remind Kids of Stranger Danger
My opinion – your child should never enter anyone’s home while trick-or-treating without your consent. Supervise kids on the curb for the festivities, and train them to say NO to anyone who asks them to step inside. That promise of a full-size candy bar could easily be a trap that you will certainly regret.
3. Stay in Familiar Places and Trust Your Instincts
Generally speaking, porch lights on mean it’s okay to trick-or-treat, and porch lights off mean no trick-or-treaters are welcome. If you get a funny feeling about a house, trust your gut and move on to the next one.
4. Lock Your Doors
Even if you are trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood, there’s still a risk of burglary. Keep your valuables safe by locking up before you hit the street. If your kid is responsible enough to carry a key, add one to a necklace around their neck so they can always retreat indoors if needed.
5. Carry a Flashlight
Trick-or-treating is typically an evening activity, so having a reliable light source is essential. Make sure every person in your crew has a small flashlight or wearable light to navigate the dark streets safely. Maglite brand has always been my go-to favorite, and entirely worth the price tag.
6. Partner Up
Older kids often prefer to trick-or-treat without their parents. If you’re comfortable with this, confirm your child’s partner and set rules. The most important rule: never separate from their partner. Also, ensure their partner knows how to contact you in case of emergency and set a curfew for when they should return home.
7. Pick a Meet-Up Spot
Identify a common place, like a “home base,” where your group can meet up if anyone gets separated. Make sure everyone knows how to get to the meet-up spot and what to do if they need to use it. Have your kids recite it to you to confirm they know where it is and how to get there.
8. Know Your Timing
Halloween can be a late night. In many neighborhoods, kids trick-or-treat in waves—young kids closer to sunset, older kids after dark, and teens later in the evening. Agree on a schedule with your crew and set a clear time to meet back at home or at your designated home base. Make sure everyone has a way to tell time. I love a good ol’ fashioned wrist watch.
9. Add Allergy-Friendly Items to Your Bowl
Many kids have allergies or dietary restrictions that prevent them from enjoying traditional candies. Include non-candy treats like small toys, stickers, or vampire teeth, or add allergy-friendly snacks like Goldfish or applesauce packs. This way, your bowl can be a little more inclusive for maximum fun.
10. Minimize Fire Hazards
Make sure your costumes are flame-resistant. If you love spooky candlelight, consider switching to battery-operated or solar candles for a safer option. And no matter what, never leave a candle burning unattended.
Enjoy a Safe and Spooky Halloween
Halloween is meant to be a night of fun, filled with spooky stories, silly costumes, and cravable treats. However, it’s also a night where a little preparation goes a long way in keeping everyone safe. By taking precautions and prioritizing safety, you can make your Halloween one to remember—for all the right reasons.
Live seasoned,
Shauna
