The National Retail Federation predicts that this October, approximately 2.6 million children will dress up as a superhero across our nation. Next in line for popular costume choices are ghosts (1.8 million), princesses (1.6 million), and witches (1.6 million). No matter what your little one is going to dress up as, it is important to keep kids urgent care in mind and make their special night a safe one! Here are our top safety tips for a fun and safe night of trick-or-treating:
Costume Safety
While we love creative costumes, safety should always come first. The most important thing is to ensure children are visible to drivers, especially when trick-or-treating at night. Consider the following:
- Add Reflective Elements: Decorate costumes and candy bags with reflective tape or stickers. If possible, choose light-colored costumes to enhance visibility.
- Face Paint: Masks can obstruct your child’s vision, making it harder to see obstacles or approaching cars. You can try to decorate their face with non-toxic face paint or makeup whenever possible for a safer alternative.
- Glow Sticks and Flashlights: Carry glow sticks or flashlights to light up the way and ensure drivers can see your kids.
Street Safety
Halloween excitement can sometimes lead children to forget basic road safety rules, so it’s essential to remind them of these important tips:
- Use Crosswalks: Always cross the street at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks. Make sure to look left, right, and left again before crossing and continue checking as you walk across.
- Stay Focused: Avoid distractions like electronic devices when walking and keep heads up while crossing streets.
- Stick to Sidewalks: Walk on sidewalks or paths whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and stay as far to the left as possible.
- Be Cautious Around Cars: Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Avoid crossing between parked cars, and don’t dart into the street unexpectedly.
For Drivers: Safety on the Road
If you’re driving around on Halloween night, remember that the streets will be filled with excited children. Here are a few reminders for drivers:
- Slow Down: Residential neighborhoods are likely to be crowded with trick-or-treaters. Stick to the speed limit and be extra cautious between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., the peak trick-or-treating hours.
- Stay Alert: Take extra time to check for kids at intersections, on medians, and along curbs. Children may move unpredictably, so it’s important to be ready for sudden movements.
- Minimize Distractions: Avoid distractions like talking on the phone or eating while driving. Staying focused on the road and your surroundings helps keep everyone safe.
In addition to these safety tips, remember to always check your child’s candy before they dig in. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking treats and be cautious if your child has any food allergies. By keeping a close eye, remembering costume safety tips, and using street safety, you can ensure your little ones enjoy a fun Halloween! Reminder: Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care will be open on Halloween, click HERE to find a location near your neighborhood. Happy trick-or treating!
