Halloween safety: 10 tips for keeping children safe when trick or treating

Keep your children safe and sound this Halloween with our top tips...

1. Plan a route in advance

Trick or treating could take you several streets away from your house, which can cause sore feet and tired legs. Avoid long treks by mapping out a route before leaving the house. Stick to paths that you and your child are familiar with to avoid getting lost.

2. Wear comfy shoes

Make sure you and your children are in comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Girls in dresses should avoid heels, and all shoelaces should be double-knotted to avoid tripping in the dark.

3. Make sure all costumes are short

Long costumes that drag on the ground can be dangerous, especially at night. After purchasing your child’s costume, make sure it’s an appropriate length, and hem anything that’s too long to avoid tripping.

4. Avoid masks

Masks can make it difficult for your child to see or breathe. If possible, skip the mask altogether and use non-toxic make-up to complete the costume instead.

5. Check your child’s sweets

When sorting through sweets at the end of the night throw away any sweets that are not in their original wrapping, or that look as though they may have been opened. Better safe than sorry!

6. Houses to avoid

Ensure your kids only visit houses that have their lights on, and preferably only those that have some sort of Halloween decoration outside. Make sure your kids know to never go inside someone’s house.

7. Let there be light!

Make it a rule to trick or treat only in well-lit areas. Stay on streets that you are familiar with, and avoid shortcuts through dark alleys. If you're not sure where a street goes or whether it is safe, don't take a chance on it.

8. Fill up

A hungry zombie can be a scary thing. Prevent your kids from overloading on sweets and chocolate by feeding them a healthy and filling dinner before trick or treating begins!

9. Driving?

Watch out for fast moving monsters! If you’re out in your car keep your eyes open for excitable trick or treaters. Stick rigidly to the speed limit in any residential areas. You always want to make sure you have extra time to brake if a child darts in front of your car.

10. Pets alert

No matter how much they beg don’t feed any Halloween treats to your pets. It will make them ill - make sure your children know this too.

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