Some might say it is a much harsher world than when our parents and grandparents grew up, but whether you believe the world is more or less safe than it was all those years ago, it still pays to be cautious.
The Halloween holiday, a favorite among children, is one of the times when we must take extra care for the safety of our children. Not only are our children more prone to accidents and injuries during this holiday, but the excitement of dressing up in their favorite costumes and collecting candy from their neighborhood can make them a little less conscious of the dangers around them. Here are a few tips to help everyone have a safe and fun Halloween:
l Encourage your child to pick out costumes they can maneuver in easily and safely. Make sure eyeholes on masks are large enough so the child can see both to the front and on each side. Purchase costumes that are large in size so they can easily fit over coats and heavy clothes. Costumes should be fun, but not at the expense of being too cold while walking outside.
l If the costume requires props, such as swords, knives or pitchforks, be sure the tips are smooth and the handles flexible.
l Purchase or make costumes that are fire resistant. Sometimes getting close to candlelit jack-o-lanterns can be tempting, but deadly if a costume can easily go up in flames.
l If your child will be out after dark, be sure they are equipped with flashlights and reflective clothing.
l If you set candlelit carved pumpkins on your porch, be sure they are far enough away from children coming to your door for candy to avoid accidents and injuries.
l It goes without saying that children should be advised not to talk to or get into cars with strangers, watch when crossing streets and never go inside a person's house to collect candy.
l Be sure to check the candy your children bring home. Feed your children a good dinner before they go out trick or treating so they will be less apt to snack on candy they collect. If your children are very young and you take them trick or treating, never let them out of your sight.
Fortunately, we don't turn our clocks back one hour until Nov. 1, just after the Halloween holiday, so it is unlikely the children will be wandering the sidewalks after dark, but it never hurts to be extra cautious.
And just as a reminder, be sure to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO2 detectors as you wander around the house changing clocks that last weekend this month.