Parents, check out these tips from MLA LAW to help make Halloween festivities fun and safe for your kids while trick-or-treating:
- Have your kids go trick-or-treating with a group of friends and a trusted adult
- Take a flashlight while trick-or-treating (it comes in handy!)
- Affix reflective tape to costume or trick-or-treat bag so that drivers will be able to see you
- Check your treats thoroughly for openings, tampering and choking hazards before consuming them
- Eat only factory-wrapped treats; stay away from eating homemade treats made by strangers
- Buy/wear well-fitting costumes, masks and shoes in order to minimize trips, falls and other injuries
- Always look both ways before crossing the street and use designated crosswalks
- Walk on sidewalks, if not possible walk on the far edge of the road facing traffic
- Do not walk near lit candles or luminaries; costumes do catch on fire!
- Do not approach or enter homes of strangers; only visit well-lit houses
- Do not accept rides from strangers
- Going trick-or-treating equals a healthy daily dose of physical activity
- If teenagers are going on their own, agree on a specific route and time they should return home
- Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, be attentive; do not run across the street
- Remind other parents/neighbors to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely in the neighborhood
- Teach kids to call 9-1-1 in an emergency situation or if they become lost
- Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs
- Carry a cell phone for quick communication
- Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, driveways, alleys, sidewalks and on curbs
- Be different this year: distribute healthful treats or non-food items
- Have fun!
By keeping Halloween a fun, safe and happy holiday for your kids, they will look forward to upcoming years of Halloween fun!
Happy Halloween from everyone at Morici, Longo & Associates!