WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – The Family Initiative, Inc. (TFI) has shared some tips for families with young children to ensure a fun and safe Halloween this year.
As the spookiest day of the year approaches, parents are busy with pumpkin carving, costume selection, and stocking up on candy.
However, TFI said it’s crucial to prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities.
TFI has shared the following recommendations to ensure a memorable and secure Halloween:
- Supervise Young Children: Always accompany young children while they are trick-or-treating. For older kids, plan a route and set a curfew.
- Visible Costumes: Wear bright-colored costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags to ensure drivers can easily see children.
- Stay on the Sidewalk: Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.
- Cross Safely: Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing and make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
- Use Flashlights: Equip each child and adult with a flashlight to help them see and be seen.
- Check Treats: Inspect all candy before eating. Discard anything that looks tampered with or is not in its original, sealed packaging.
- Stay Together: Stick together as a group. If older children are trick-or-treating alone, make sure they go in a group and have a cell phone.
- Avoid Dark Houses: Only approach homes that have their porch lights on and are welcoming trick-or-treaters.
- Fire Safety: Make sure costumes are flame-resistant and avoid long, trailing fabric. Be cautious around open flames from jack-o-lanterns and other decorations.
- Respect Others: Remind children to be polite and thank homeowners. Only go to houses that are participating in Halloween and avoid disturbing those who aren’t.
More information on The Family Initiative can be found here.