Halloween Safety is No Trick on Cape Cod & Islands

10/30/2015 (Permalink)

We plan to keep Mackenzie safe this Halloween with these simple tips and reminders.

Halloween is one of those holidays that is loved by children and adults…but for different reasons. I love the holiday because it arrives during the fall…one of my favorite seasons. I love the pumpkins, mums, and the other autumnal decorations. Children get excited about the holiday because they enjoy dressing up in costumes… becoming another character for a night. The only thing better than getting to dress up as somebody else is ending the night with a bag full of candy. Yup, doesn’t get much better than that.

I could grow nostalgic about Halloweens past, reflecting back on all of the fun and (and stress) of those days when my children were small and missing those early years. But instead of reminiscing, this year I am going to get to relive some of the fun….sort of. My granddaughter Mackenzie is going to celebrate Halloween and I get to bask in the glory of watching my daughter get her dressed up, teach her to say trick or treat, ask people for candy and after securing a bag full of the sweet confections, try to stop her from eating it all. Not quite two years old, Mackenzie is going to dress as a bumblebee and I assure you that she will be buzzing her way right into my heart.

This is such a fun holiday for children and a memorable one for adults but there are a few precautions we can and should take to make sure that it is not only a happy Halloween but a safe one, as well.

Tips for a safe Halloween

Make sure children’s costumes do not drag or hit the ground. Children tend to run rather than walk between houses.

Whenever possible, opt for face make up rather than masks. It can be difficult for children to see through the masks, especially after the sun goes down.

Do not let children under the age of 12 trick or treat alone.

Make sure children have some kind of a flash light or glow stick so that cars can see them. If possible, add reflective tape to their costumes.

When you are designing the costumes, take time to design the candy bags. Put some reflective tape on whatever container your children use to collect their candy. This will help to keep them seen when they are out at night.

The most popular trick or treating hours are between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Remember to be extra cautious when driving during those times and to keep an eye out for little trick or treaters.

Jack-o-lanterns with candles are a wonderful addition to any front door but, if possible, opt for the battery-operated candles available today.

Make sure your property is well lit so little feet do not trip over steps or other objects on the ground.

If you have pets, remember that chocolate is harmful to dogs. Try to keep your furry legged friends away from the door when the trick or treaters come by.

Most important of all, remember that dark chocolate is actually healthy for you. So please feel free to raid your children’s bags when they come home!

Happy Halloween from SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & the Islands.