10 tips to keep your kids safe this Halloween

Did you know that Halloween night is one of the most dangerous nights of the year? In fact, kids are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween over any other day of the year. With little kids in costume sharing the road with vehicles of all types and lights turned down low, it's really a recipe for disaster. While those are certainly sobering statistics, that doesn't mean you can't keep your kids as safe as possible this Halloween by planning ahead and helping teach your child basic safety rules before they head out hunting candy. 

1) Avoid masks and costumes that could cover the face and obstruct vision while walking. If needbe, wear a modified costume just for the Trick or Treating portion of the evening to stay safe and make sure you can see your surroundings.

2) Make yourself seen. Find costumes in light colors or, if possible, utilize reflective tape and stickers, so that even dark costumes can be seen in the dark.

3) No slip costumes. Make sure your child is able to walk safely in their costume without tripping, and be sure that they can get themselves up without assistance if they should fall down.

4) Let there be light. Give your kids flashlights so they can navigate rough terrain as well as make sure that they are visible to cars and pedestrians. We found this cool glow in the dark flashlight from Rayovac that is plenty bright to see obstacles ahead and let them see you, but also has the added fun of being glow in the dark.
5) Supervision required. Children who haven't hit their teen years should not be out without adult supervision, and once they are let loose on their own, they should stick to areas they are familiar with and stay in groups.

6) Keep tots contained. If your child has a tendancy to run off or might get too tired, be sure to integrate a stroller or wagon into the plan.

7) Use crosswalks whenever possible. If no crosswalks are available, make sure that your children are crossing the street in open areas away from parked cars and other obstacles that might make it hard for them to see and be seen.

8) Inspect your haul. Check over every piece of candy and every treat your child brings home before letting them pick treats. Handmade treats or self-wrapped treats should only be allowed if you are very familiar with the person handing them out.

9) Go out early. Make sure that your child isn't out well after other Trick or Treaters have retreated as that makes it more likely drivers will be watching for them. Plus, no one likes someone ringing their door once the kiddos have all gone to sleep.

10) Skip any houses with the lights out. They clearly don't want to be bothered, and they definitely won't have any candy, so skip them and go to the next house.

Have any good safety tips I missed? Share them below and I can add them to my list! Wishing you and yours a happy and safe day of fun!

Want one of these awesome glow in the dark flashlights from Rayovac? You're in luck because they are offering a promotion on the glow in the dark flashlight during the month of October on their website. Use the promo code GLOWINTHEDARK for $1 off  plus free shipping with $25+ orders.

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