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The ghost and goblin population has exploded around town and that can only mean one thing — it's almost Halloween. Help keep your kids safe while having fun this Halloween by following these easy tips from Safe Kids Tulsa Area.
Top Five Halloween Safety Tips for Parents and Kids
By following a few simple precautions, Halloween night can be fun and safe for everyone. Safe Kids Tulsa Area suggests the following:
- Be seen! Carry glow sticks or flashlights, decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and if possible, choose light colors. These all help kids see and be seen by drivers.
- Join in on the fun. Trick-or-treat with kids under the age of 12 and talk about model safety precautions with them.
- Driving? Slow down and be alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
- Cross at corners and crosswalks. Remind kids to cross at corners and crosswalks. Teach them to look left, right then left again and keep looking as they cross the street.
- Does their costume fit? Costumes that are too big can cause trips and falls. Costume masks can limit a child's vision so choose face when possible.
Drivers, Be Aware!
The days are getting shorter and more children are on the street around Halloween than any other time during the year. Drivers should be conscious of kids trick-or-treating and do their part to ensure everyone stays safe.
Beth Washington of Safe Kids Tulsa Area tells us that "children's extra excitement may cause them to run out into the street without thinking."
Drivers are reminded to take extra care and slow down on neighborhood roads. "And, of course," says Washington, "it's very important that drivers put down mobile devices to avoid distraction."
Top Tips for Drivers on Halloween Night
- Slowdown in residential neighborhoods. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Reduce any distractions inside the vehicle, such as talking on the phone or eating. By reducing distractions drivers can concentrate on the road and their surroundings.
Stay Smart and Stay Healthy this Halloween
There is still a large population of kids that are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. This puts them at a higher risk of infection. HealthyChildren.org recommends the following steps to help limit your child's chance of exposure to viruses while enjoying Halloween.
- Trick-or-treat in small groups outdoors.
- Try to stick to outdoor activities. If you do attend an indoor event, be sure everyone wears a face mask and still observes a safe distance from other groups.
- For those handing out Halloween candy, consider preparing individual goodie bags for touch-free, grab-and-go trick-or-treating. Another fun trend is to use a candy chute. There are many ideas online and making the chute can be a fun family activity!
Alternative Halloween Activities
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers new traditions for families who may not want to change the crowds at Halloween. They include:
- Pumpkin carving or decorating outside
- Costumed movie night
- Making Halloween-themed treats
- Organizing a Halloween scavenger hunt
Additional Information for a Safe and Healthy Halloween
Safe Kids Worldwide Halloween Tips: www.safekids.org/halloween
American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org
Saint Francis Health System COVID-19 Information: saintfrancis.com/COVID19