Trick or treating is a fun Halloween tradition that many kids look forward to. Collecting candy as they’re dressed up as their favorite character, athlete, or movie star is a lifelong memory.
However, safety is a top priority on this holiday as the risk of accidents increases with a larger number of pedestrians out and about walking near the road.
How to stay safe on Halloween
Be visible
Put a reflective sticker, band or light on your child. Costumes that are a dark color are hard for drivers to spot. Using reflective tape or gear makes sure they are visible to drivers. This is especially important towards the end of trick or treating hours as dusk is settling in. It’s also a good idea to bring a flashlight or headlamp for additional light at the end of the night.
Dress Appropriately
Living in Wisconsin, the weather at the end of October can be unpredictable. One year you might need a winter coat and the next year no jacket at all. Make sure everyone is dressed appropriately to enjoy their time outside. On cool evenings, put on an extra layer under the costume. Dressing in layers is a good idea as it’s easy to take a layer off as you get warm. It’s a good idea to throw an extra layer and potentially hat and mittens as necessary in a backpack to bring along as the evenings cool down.
Watch for traffic
Remind kids to watch for cars when crossing the road.
- Cross only cross in a crosswalk, not between cars or in the middle of a road.
- Stay on the sidewalk.
- If there is not a sidewalk, walk on the far side of the road facing towards traffic.
Not only is it fun to trick or treat with a group, but there’s safety in numbers. Parents should always accompany kids. Have a discussion beforehand about safety guidelines including, walk don’t run, look both ways before crossing the street, and only go to houses with their porch light on.
Be aware of your surroundings
Trick or treating is an exciting time for kids and their emotions are running high. Remind them to be aware of their surroundings as they’re out walking in other people’s yards on unfamiliar ground. This could include uneven sidewalks, stairs, or low hanging branches. Taking an extra second to keep your eyes on the ground could make the difference in avoiding trips, falls or other injuries.
Inspect candy
The first thing kids want to do when they get home from trick or treating is dive into their candy. Take a minute to pause and have an adult look over the candy for any pieces that are already opened, choking hazards, or anything unusual. Also be aware of any allergens the child may have and remove any candy that shouldn’t be consumed. Throw away anything unusual or unsuitable for your child.
Keep safety in mind to make sure everyone returns home to enjoy their holiday.
Rural Mutual believes in keeping Wisconsin farms, families and children safe. Reach out to a local Rural Mutual agent to make sure you’re protected.
