Check out these Halloween safety tips.

Cute kids Trick or Treating

DID YOU KNOW? You can take Halloween Safety Training online for free.

Halloween Safety is part of iScout’s 2020 Training library which offers a mobile-optimized, editable course library.

Costumes

Costumes are one of the main reasons kids love Halloween (after the free candy obviously). However, costumes can pose safety risks if they are not properly thought through. Here are a few things you can incorporate into costumes to make them safe.

  1. Bright Colors (Avoid dark colors)
  2. Reflective tape if out after dark
  3. Ensure proper fit to prevent tripping, entanglement or getting caught on other objects
  4. Costumes, wigs, accessories with a label indicating them being flame resistant
  5. Hats should fit properly so they do not slide over their eyes
  6. Test makeup or face paint ahead of time
  7. Never include real weapons (make sure costume weapons are easily recognized as fake)

Jack-o-lanterns

One of the oldest Halloween traditions, carving jack-o-lanterns can be a fun family activity. Below are some safety tips to consider before carving begins.

  1. Lighter the pumpkin (for its size) the easier they are to carve
  2. There are plastic carving tools available for children (used under adult supervision)
  3. Knives should only be used by adults
  4. Consider using a glow stick or LED light instead of a candle
  5. Painting is always a fun alternative to physically carving the pumpkin
  6. Make sure to dispose of the pumpkins after to holiday to prevent the attraction of pests

Halloween Guests / Trick-or-treaters

It is widely accepted that if a house porch light is on, the resident is participating in trick-or-treating. So if your light is on, you better be prepared with candy. Some ways to prepare for visitors and prevent injury at your house are:

  1. Remove potential trip hazards from the porch, walkways or yard
  2. The house and walkways should be well lit
  3. Clear wet leaves, ice, and snow
  4. Retrain pets

Family Plan

Making a plan before trick-or-treating begins will ensure your family has fun while also staying safe.

  1. Responsible adult should always accompany young children (put electronics down)
  2. Take a flashlight, with fresh batteries
  3. Consider giving the children glow sticks to help keep a track of them in the dark
  4. Only trick-or-treat at homes with a porch light on
  5. Never enter a strangers home or car
  6. Do not accept homemade treats from strangers
  7. Do not eat any treat that has been opened or has a torn wrapper
  8. For older children going alone, plan an acceptable route for them to go
  9. Agree on a specific time to return home
  10. Only travel in familiar areas and stay in a group with friends

Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween. Here are a few points to consider.

  1. Wear reflective tapes on costumes
  2. Remain on well-lit streets
  3. Always use sideways
  4. Never cut across yards
  5. Cross streets as a group, at established crosswalks

Driving on Halloween

Driving on Halloween can be dangerous due to the number of kids and monsters on the loose.

  1. Drive slowly and be attentive, looking for pedestrians the entire time while driving
  2. Avoid driving after dark, if possible
  3. Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys
  4. Look out for anyone running toward the street (you may see them before they see you)
  5. Put your phone down, calls and texts can wait until you have arrived at your destination.

DID YOU KNOW? You and your team can take Halloween Safety Training online for free.

Halloween Safety is part of iScout’s 2020 Training library which offers a mobile-optimized, editable course library.

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