Halloween Safety Tips 4 Kids in Des Moines

Halloween Safety Tips 4 Kids in Des Moines

Kids get so excited for Halloween and to Trick-o-Treat!  I get it, what’s not to love about dressing up and loading up on candy? Unfortunately, each year all kinds of accidents happen while kids are out begging for Halloween candy.  Trick-or-Treating can be a fun and SAFE activity with a little planning.  To help make this year’s festivity a trick-free treat, follow these simple safety tips.

Walk! Don’t Run

All kids struggle with this one!  They just get so excited and dash from house to house.  Try to get your little monsters to slow down and enjoy the candy!  So many accidents can happen from tripping to colliding with another child to darting out in front of a car.

  • Always walk on the sidewalk.
  • Cross the street at crosswalks.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street.
  • Have kids make eye contact and wave at drivers.
  • Pay attention at driveways, make sure there are no cars pulling in our backing out.

Trick or Treat Etiquette

While the basics of Trick-or-Treating seem simple, there are a few etiquette rules to abide by. Parents definitely need to accompany younger kids while there’re Trick-or-Treating.  As kids get older, they want to ditch old Mom and Dad to go Trick-or-Treating with their friends.  No matter if kids are chaperoned or not they need be respectful and safe.

  • Younger children should not be allowed to trick or treat without adult supervision.
  • If kids are mature enough to Trick-or-Treat without a chaperone, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and walk in groups.
  • Only approach homes that have their lights on, which means they are open for business.
  • Do not knock on any doors without a light on.
  • Do not go inside a stranger’s house.
  • Check all candy before eating it. (Make sure the package has not been opened or tampered with. Only eat homemade treats from people that you know.)
  • Most Trick-or-Treating in Des Moines is scheduled to take place between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. Be mindful not to knock on doors before or after the designated time.

Costume Safety

Costumes should be cute and safe.  This can be a challenge depending on the type of costume your child picks out.

  • When picking out a costume make sure it fits properly and that it doesn’t cause a tripping hazard.
  • Have kids wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking when Trick-or-Treating.
  • Use flashlights, glow sticks and reflective tape to decorate costumes.
  • Make sure kids can see. Make-up may be a better choice than a mask if it restricts your child’s vision.
  • Really creepy costumes may not be appropriate in all neighborhoods.

Drive Cautiously 

Driving through really packed neighborhoods on Beggar’s Night can be a stressful tense experience.  Drive slowly and be prepared for kids to dart out in front of you!

    • Be particularly alert in residential neighborhoods. Kids are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
    • Take extra time to look for Trick-or-Treaters at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
    • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
    • Again, trick-or-treating hours are 6:00 to 8:00 pm, so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

 

 

What are your tips for kids to enjoy a sinfully safe night of Halloween Trick-or-Treating?  Share them in the Comments below.