Full Notification

Kids love Halloween! They get to dress up, get free candy, and in some cases stay up later on a weeknight. It can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a time for us to make sure our young ones stay safe. Here are a few tips you can share to help keep them safe on Halloween night!
 
Walk Safely

1. Head up, electronic device down while out on the streets. You can post all of your costume and candy pics later
2. Teach your kid to make eye contact with the driver prior to crossing the street
3. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Make sure to let them know that they should never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars
4. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups
5. Only approach homes that are well lit
6. Make sure they know how to say “No” to strangers!  Never get into a stranger’s car or go into their house.  Make sure you’re within sight of your child when they are running from house to house
7. Always have them accept treats outside on the porch

8. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible choose light colors
9. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision
10. Have kids carry a flashlight or something that glows in the dark to help them see and be seen by drivers
11. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls

12. Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways
13. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
14. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully
15. Head up, phone down! Get rid of any distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
16. Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances
17. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours, but know that some may be out a little earlier or stay out a little later