Tips for Safe Trick-or-Treating

Whether your child is excited to have extra sweets at home, looking forward to visiting with friends and neighbors, or excited to dress up as their favorite character, there's no denying that this is a special time of the year! Halloween can be loads of fun and at the Y, since child safety is crucial to us, we want to help ensure your family feels prepared for the holiday festivities.

Here are a few tips to have fun and stay safe for parents and children:

1. Increase Visibility

After dark, kids need to be able to see and be seen by all types of traffic, whether it's fellow walkers, people riding bikes, or cars driving down the street.

• Using a light-colored costume will allow your child to be seen much easier.
• If their costume is dark, consider adding reflective tape to their costume, shoes, and trick-or-treat bag.
• Bring at least one flashlight along.

2. Choose or Create a Safe Costume

Regardless of if you're buying a costume from the store or making one with materials from home, there are a few factors to consider.

• Be sure that your child’s mask or costume does not cover their eyes and block their vision. Using make-up and/or face paint is another great way to alleviate any vision impairment while trick-or-treating.
• When choosing a costume, be sure that it states “flame-retardant” just as an added precaution.
• Checking the length of the costume to avoid tripping or stumbling during your child’s evening of fun.
• Be sure that props are short and flexible, and won't hurt your child or anyone they interact with.

3. Additional Safety Tips

• Trick-or-treating is best with a group of trusted family or friends. If kids are of age, having them carry a cell phone is an extra layer of protection to stay in touch in case help is needed or if the group gets separated.
• Staying in your neighborhood is ideal, but if you do travel out, ensure all adults and kids are aware of a predetermined, simple route. Settle on one location and a specific time to meet up if your group plans to split up.
• Make sure young children know to never enter anyone’s home. Likewise, do not get in a stranger’s car, even if a treat is offered.
• Only visit homes that have turned on their front porch light.
• After your family gets back home, be sure to take a good look at all of the candy your child has collected before they have the opportunity to start snacking. Don't eat loose food, and it's recommended to not eat anything that looks homemade or has a tampered seal or wrapper.

At the Y, we want to assist in providing the support and tools that are necessary to strengthen our community. That’s why we work day in and day out to nurture youth, strengthen families and promote healthy living. Have a happy and safe Halloween!