HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP KIDS HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN.
Carving a Jack O’Lantern is a tradition brought to the Americas from Ireland. The Celts carved turnips on All Hallow’s Eve and placed a lit ember into them to ward off evil spirits.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while cutting up with your pumpkin this year:
- Use a sturdy, dry, and well-lit surface to do your carving.
- Choose tools that are appropriate for the carver. Many retailers offer tools that are designed for kids to participate. Sharp objects require special attention and obviously should always be pointed away from the carver and helpers.
- Carve slowly and avoid stabbing motions that might bend or deflect the blade of the tool.
- Flashlights and glow sticks make great alternatives to burning candles in a pumpkin. If you do use candles, make sure to blow them out. Do not let them burn without attention.
- Smaller children can get involved by painting a pumpkin.
Talk with your kids about safety. Only one-third of parents take the time to have conversations with their kids. However, three out of four parents admit they have fears about Halloween safety.
It is more than twice as risky that a child will be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Making kids visible while trick or treating is key to their safety and can be easily accomplished by carrying a flashlight, wearing light colored costumes, using reflective tape, and glow sticks. Only about one in five use reflective tape on costumes.
Cell phones can be a distraction, especially when walking in the dark along a roadway.
Travel in groups to trick or treat.
DO NOT eat treats that are received during your trick or treating until back home and the goodies are inspected by a responsible adult.
- Tampering is rare but does happen.
- Look for unusual colors or discoloration of the treats.
- Watch for pinholes in wrappers.
- Pay attention for spoiled or unwrapped items.
- Home made items should be discarded, unless received from someone whom you know well.
- Keep an eye out for small treats that can be choking hazards for small kids.
- Help your kids to understand that “When in doubt – throw it out”.
Only visit well-lit houses.
Never enter a home without a trusted adult.
Stay in neighborhoods where you are familiar with the area and people.
Always pay attention to traffic signals and cross streets at corners or crosswalks.
Stay on sidewalks or, if none are present, walk in groups facing traffic.
Walk – DO NOT RUN.
Do not allow kids to approach any vehicle, whether it seems occupied or not.
Pets are curious and can be alerted by costumes and strange goings on. Take care of your pets when you are at home and answering the door for visitors. And always be aware of animals while you are out trick or treating.
