Red, orange, and yellow leaves line the streets and blanket the yards. Carved pumpkins sit on doorsteps, and costumes hang in closets, all as a reminder that Halloween is just a few days away. What is your little one anxious to become this year? Will she be Elsa, or he a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? Great Plains Communications wants to wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween and we would like to pass along some safety tips to help make sure that happens.
- Have a safe walking plan for the evening. Children’s excitement level is often escalated on Halloween as they see the sweet potential in each house, no matter if it is across the street or down the block. Help them to remember to look left, right, and left once more before holding the hand of an adult and crossing the street. Also, don’t forget to put down any electronic devices as you cross, and choose spots further away from the street to stop and take pictures.
- Find Creative Ways to Add Safety Precautions to Costumes. Have your kids use fun metallic stickers or reflective tape on their candy bags, it could be a fun way to personalize their goodies and help them be seen by passing drivers. Glow sticks could be another fun way to brighten up the nighttime walk!
- Be a Cautious Driver. Just because you are not in costume, does not mean you are not a large factor in Halloween safety. As a driver, make sure to eliminate any distractions inside the car and be especially alert in residential areas. Allow extra time to look for kids between parked cars and at intersections. Typical trick-or-treating hours are between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., so buckle up and stay alert for all the little witches and zombies walking the streets.
For more tips, check out Safe Kids Worldwide and remember that Great Plains Communications hopes you have a fun and safe Halloween! Let us know below what creative safety tricks your family does each year.