Halloween is quickly approaching, so you and your kids are probably looking forward to trick-or-treating! With sweet candy and creative costumes at every turn, trick-or-treating is an exciting occasion for the whole family. To ensure the night is full of fun, it’s important to establish solid trick-or-treat safety tips.
1. Wear bright costumes or carry reflective gear.
Forgo dark costumes that can camouflage your kids in the dark. Make sure they’re wearing bright colors, such as white and yellow, so drivers and other pedestrians can see them. If they really want to wear a dark costume, have them stick on or carry reflective gear, such as reflective tapes and bands, or even a flashlight.
2. Wear makeup instead of eye-covering masks.
Masks can obstruct vision. Especially if your kids are moving around at night, it’s important for them to clearly see where they’re going. Choose makeup or cosmetics instead of masks that obstruct eyes, (and make sure the makeup is allergy-friendly and toxic-free!).
3. Trick or treat in groups, not alone.
To increase safety, your kids should trick or treat with others. If you have small children accompany them, and for older children, have them go with a group of friends. Also, plan the route your older children will take and the time they plan to return. They should also have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency or to check in with you throughout the night.
4. Only cross streets at designated crosswalks.
To protect your kids from oncoming vehicles, remind them to only cross streets at designated crosswalks. Not only are they likely to be well-lit, but they usually also have stoplights and stop signs to encourage drivers to slow down.
5. Stay on well-lit paths and only approach well-lit homes.
To ensure your children are aware of their surroundings, warn them to only choose paths and homes that are brightly lit. Not only will this make it easier for them (and you) to see where they’re heading, but it will also expose any potential trouble. Also, avoid homes that have unattended animals or lots of debris in their yard.
6. Never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.
You’ve told your kids before, but it never hurts to say it again: Stranger danger! No matter how nice the stranger appears or what they promise to offer, remind your kids to never enter their vehicle or home. They should keep their distance from any suspicious behavior, and call for help if needed.
7. Don’t eat anything until you return home and inspect the treats.
As tempting as it may be, don’t let your kids eat any candy or treats until they return home. Inspect them for any damage, such as torn or open wrappers, stains, or punctures, and toss out any homemade treats. If you or your child has allergies, check the ingredient list on the wrappers or online to see if a particular candy contains anything you can’t consume.
Enjoy Trick-Or-Treating In A Safe Craftmark Neighborhood
Picking a good location is one of the first and most important trick-or-treat safety tips to remember. At Craftmark Homes, we build in locations that are family-friendly and situated in desirable locations throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Our homes and neighborhoods are intelligently constructed with beautiful features that fit your lifestyle and are perfect for social events like trick-or-treating.
Explore the many locations we are currently building and offering our luxurious townhomes and single-family estate homes. To learn more about how we can help you celebrate holidays safely and effortlessly, contact us today and schedule your personal appointment!