Happy October! A month that is filled with all the quintessential things such as pumpkin spice, apple cider, cooler weather, crunchy leaves, pumpkins and let’s not forget Halloween. Many of our children have been waiting all year to put on their favorite costume and run around the neighborhood to collect all their most enjoyed candies. However, many of you may still be slightly nervous about letting your children trick or treat this year with the concern of COVID-19. As cases have dropped in Los Angeles County and the CDC has given the green light to trick or treating this year there are still many precautions and safety tips to remember. We are sharing some helpful safety tips this holiday so you and your family can all enjoy Halloween together!
Accompanied Adult
A responsible adult should always accompany small children throughout the neighborhood. If your child is going out alone with friends be sure to leave them with a flashlight and even a cell phone for anything that may come up.
Slow Down
With many pedestrians and cars in the neighborhood, be sure to keep an eye out for darting children. Drive slowly and make sure your vehicles headlights are turned on though out the evening even if it’s still light outside.
Check for Allergens
If you child has a food allergy, be sure to check the ingredient label on commercially wrapped candy to make sure they don’t contain any allergens. Remember to skip any homemade treats as you may not be sure of what they contain. You may even see some homes that have a teal colored pumpkins which indicates they are a home that is aware of food allergies and are raising awareness for others!
Costume Safety
To make sure your child is easily seen try decorating their treat bag or costume with reflective tape or stickers. Also, try and use light colors if possible and have your child hold glowsticks or flashlights with them to be seen by drivers.
Around The House
When decorating the inside of your home always consider fire safety. Do not over crowd electrical outlets with lighting and special effects. Keep your carefully carved jack-o-lanterns away from window drapes, decorations, and any other flammable materials. A battery-operated candlelight is a great safe option for indoor use!
Accessories
Many of our children’s costumes require props and accessories to add to the fun! To make sure they are safe while trick or treating try to include accessories that are made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry around sharp objects that could harm themselves or others. Try something like these fun and soft pirate costume props!
Please remember some of these safety tips this year before heading out to collect your treats. We hope you and your family share a happy and safe Halloween this year in your neighborhood!