Halloween is always a magical night in New York City full of fun and wonder for kids. It is also a time of year when accidents can easily happen. At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring, but we also want to keep kids safe outside the home! There are many precautions parents and children can take around Halloween to ensure more treats than tricks. Check the tips below to make safety a priority.
- Dressing up in costumes is a huge part of the fun, but make sure to dress with safety in mind.
- If your child will be outside at night, choose a costume that will allow for greater visibility to others. Light colored or neon colors are easier to see at night. You can also add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark tape to the costume.
- Make sure nothing hinders the visibility of the costume wearer. Check that masks, wigs, or hats don’t limit your child’s peripheral vision.
- Everything should “fit well” to reduce the chance of trips and falls. This includes wearing shoes that allow the child to walk confidently in under lit areas.
- Avoid accessories like swords or wands that are too large or too sharp. Children can easily be hurt by these if they stumble or trip.
- Enjoy trick or treating in your neighborhood by having a safety talk beforehand.
- Kids under 12 should always go trick or treating with an adult. Those 12 and older should go out in a group on a route that has been approved by an adult.
- Carry glow sticks or flash lights if you will be trick or treating after the sun goes down.
- Only go to homes that have the porch light on.
- Teach children to never enter a car or a home for a treat.
- Kids get excited, but stress the importance of slowing down and staying alert while in areas with vehicle traffic.
- Look both ways before crossing a street and use crosswalks when possible. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways. Moving as a group makes it easier for drivers to spot you.
- Remain on well-lit streets and walk on sidewalks as much as possible.
- Help your child Inspect treats for safety before allowing them to consume.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Throw out candy with torn packages or holes in the packages, spoiled items, and any homemade treats that weren’t made by someone you know. Though tampering is rare, it can happen.
- Don’t let babies and toddlers have anything that is considered a choking hazard – hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, gum, small candies like jelly beans, pumpkin seeds, or anything with whole nuts.
- Create a safe environment for those coming to trick or treat at your home.
- Remove any items from the front porch or yard such as garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations that could cause someone to trip or fall.
- Sweep leaves and other yard debris from sidewalks and steps.
- Do not place candlelit pumpkins on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin.
Stay alert to protect your children this Halloween. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!
