Make It A Safe Halloween

October 31, 2009 / 997

Few events stir a child’s energy like heading out dressed up to go trick-or-treating on Halloween. While the excitement of young kids moving from house to house in search of sweet goodies can become infectious, parents overseeing the activity must remain vigilant when it comes to safety concerns.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety guidelines for parents to consider when allowing children to trick-or-treat:

# A parent or responsible adult should always accompany children making Halloween rounds.

# If your older children head out alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time they should return home.
Only go to homes with a porch light on. Never enter a home or car for a treat.

# Keep children in a group and let them know where they will go.

# Carry a cellphone for quick communication.

# Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.

# Never cut across yards or use alleys.

# Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.

# Don’t assume the right of way, and that all cars will stop at an intersection or street crossing. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.

# Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.