Halloween is not only an exciting time for young kids, but also for teenagers! However, it’s important for teens to stay safe and be aware of potential risks. We have created a list of safety tips to ensure a fun and safe Halloween for our older kiddos:
1. Choose Safe Costumes
When choosing a Halloween costume, prioritize safety. Opt for costumes that are flame-resistant, well-fitted, and don’t obstruct vision. Use non-toxic makeup instead of masks that can hinder breathing or obstruct sight. Ensure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping and falling.
2. Stick to Well-lit Areas
When trick-or-treating, it’s crucial to stick to well-lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic. Avoid dimly lit streets or areas with limited visibility! This will help minimize the risk of accidents and ensure others can see you clearly.
3. Stay in Groups
Teens should always go trick-or-treating in groups, rather than alone. There’s safety in numbers, and being with friends allows for better vigilance and support. Set a designated meeting point in case anyone gets separated from the group.
4. Use Reflective Gear and Carry Flashlights
Enhance visibility during the dark Halloween night by wearing reflective gear, such as glow-in-the-dark bracelets or stickers. Carrying flashlights or using smartphone flashlight apps is also advisable to help navigate dark areas and alert motorists of your presence.
5. Be Cautious of Traffic
Halloween can bring an influx of vehicles on the road. It’s essential for teens to be cautious of traffic, use crosswalks wherever available, and follow traffic signals. Remind them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing and to avoid distractions like smartphones. If you teen is the one driving, remind them to be cautious. There tend to be more dangerous drivers on the road during holidays, so they need to be vigilant.
6. Examine Treats Before Consuming
Teens must remember to examine their treats before consuming them. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items. Parents can help by setting guidelines on acceptable treats and inspecting them thoroughly. Parents should also be aware of “rainbow fentanyl” ” the DEA has warned us about. This trend appears to be a new method used to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people.
7. Avoid Stranger Danger
While most people are out to have a good time on Halloween, it’s still crucial to be cautious around strangers. Remind teens not to enter unfamiliar homes or vehicles. Encourage them to trust their instincts and immediately report any suspicious behavior to a trusted adult or the authorities.
8. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Ensure teenagers have important emergency contacts on their phones. This includes the numbers of parents or guardians, as well as a local emergency hotline. In case of an emergency, they should know how to quickly reach out for help.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority, ensuring fun for all without any unnecessary risks. Stay safe and have a spooktacular Halloween!
Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care opened in 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. With multiple locations in San Antonio and Dallas, they are open seven days a week with extended evening hours and see walk-in patients or through an online check-in system. They accept most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans.
