While we all want Halloween to be just as scary as possible, there is no point in making it dangerous and there is no reason to make the danger REAL.
This blog is supposed to be about safety and preparedness, so with the Halloween holiday upon us, let’s get down to business.
Growing up, Halloween was one of those holidays that we did not always participate in. The family bounced back and forth between the history of Halloween and our religious beliefs so it was a pretty confusing time for me as a kid. By the time I became an adult, I had decided that I was going to celebrate Halloween like nobody had ever done before. I went to every haunted house, every maze, and went to several Halloween parties. As for my kids? I sent them out trick-or-treating with the biggest plastic pumpkins I could buy!
We cleaned up! We had candy for two years! A year later, while sitting around eating stale Bit-O-Honeys, I began to think about how irresponsible I had been all in the name of “celebrating”.
Parents of trick-or-treating kids can get so caught up in the fun themselves that they might forget some simple safety ideas that could save everyone some trouble. Here are some things to remember…
Know where your kids are at all times. Have you been watching the news? What a great night for child abductors, huh? Unattended kids distracted by mobs of other kids and adults, decorations and candy… they are quite a target. There has been some sad stories in the news lately, so know the route your kids are taking, accompany them if at all possible, or make sure they are in a group.
Make sure the costume is safe. Can your child safely look both ways before crossing the street with their mask on? Can they run in their costume? Defend themselves? I know, I am sucking the fun right out of your idea to dress your kid in a large silver balloon costume like he’s from Colorado, but think safety!
Know what activities your kids may be taking part in. I have some older kids that will not be trick-or-treating and I want to know WHERE they are going and WHO they are going with! As the father of several teenagers, I have figured out that the older the kid, the dumber decision.
Do not assume that the mall functions are safe. GO WITH YOUR KID.
Set a curfew. Make it very clear that you expect your child home at a set time. Any tardiness will indicate a problem so you can act quickly. Take a picture of your child in their costume before they leave the house so you have one should anything happen.
Explain to your children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Spooking people can be fun, but vandalism is not acceptable.
Think about the weather. Make sure that you do not sacrifice health for a cool costume. The forecast for 32 degrees has TOTALLY ruined my plans to go as a belly dancer.
Lastly, make sure your child has a flashlight with them. The way it looks to me, the night should be partly cloudy which will obscure the coming full moon on and off.
Be safe, enjoy the holiday. Give out cool candy. Peeps left over from Easter are NOT acceptable.
