Halloween is a much loved time of the year we associate with ghouls witches and spooky ghosts. It is also a time, similar to how we would celebrate bonfire night by lighting up the sky with fireworks. An entertainment program involving rockets, Catherine wheels or roman candles - needs to be carefully planned. Sadly, although a fabulous time for human fun it is not much fun for pets. Keep cats and dogs safe in the home, while field animals need sheltering. When preparing your to-do-list for Halloween night make sure you add the necessary precautions you need to take to ensure your children, your pets, and your guest's welfare.
Not wanting to spoil the fun but this is a prime time for accidents happening, in fact accidents dramatically increase when children trick-or-treat so bear this in mind.
Things you cannot afford to overlook if this Halloween night is to be an accident free zone.
The highlight of Halloween aside from trick and treating is dressing up, unfortunately dangers lurk that can be a hazard to your health from wearing Halloween costumes.
Tips to follow to stay safe:
1 If you have made your own Halloween costume or hired one then make sure they are flame retardant. And colorfast, so the color doesn't run if it rains.
2 Allow ample time for making adjustments to Halloween costumes if needed.
3 Halloween costumes need to be a sensible length to avoid tripping
4 Sew or stick reflective tape to your children`s outfits.
5 Avoid weighty masks no matter how good they look. Use make-up instead. Face cosmetics should be hypoallergenic and non-toxic.
6 Wear comfortable, practical shoes. As trick or treating involves a lot of walking and running in some cases.
7 When children are fully kitted up keep them away from lit candles and jack-o'-lanterns.
8 Replica swords, guns and knives can look so authentic that they put the fear of god up people. In the UK, fake guns can land you in trouble with the law. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.
I think most parents today, who, although wish their child fun when trick and treating, - would rather have their kids stay at home to keep them safe. Kids are kids so therefore tradition upholds in the mind of a child. All we as protective parents can do is, "protect".
Trick-or-Treating Tips:
The most important thing is to have children supervised and accompanied by an adult while on their travels. If this is not possible and children are of a suitable age and can think sensibly then what you can do is to supply and give advice.
Have them carry a torch with new batteries.
Give them money for a phone call.
Organize kid groups to go trick and treating - so the kids are not going alone.
Set them a curfew and make sure they wear a watch. If the curfew is not met, then it gives you time to go searching. Allow for a little extra time, as kids get excited on seeing other little monsters and may forget time orders.
Plan their route so you know where they are at all times.
Tell them to stay on the pavement. Motorists will find it hard to see people wearing dark clothing unless wearing luminous armbands etc.
Tell the kids to respect people`s gardens and to trick or treat locally
Tell the kids to avoid unlit houses or not to accept an invite to go inside.
Give them a spare trick or treat bag -- in case their existing bag is overloaded with treats..
Tell them not to approach pets.
Tell them not to cut across yards and to stay in built up areas.
Warn them not to accept rides from strangers.
Tell the kids to be polite and say "thank you." This goes along way for getting treated well.
Be wary of sweets with loose wrappings, unwrapped or is homemade.
If you are still not sure about having the kids go out alone, propose an alternative like having a party instead.
Pet safety Tips:
Keep your pet in a quiet place away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. As much as we love the little horrors that come knocking, some little horrors, are, "horrors," and get a thrill from mistreating animals, sad I know but fact. Pets are habitual animals and could become frightened or agitated at the strangeness of what this particular night brings.
Make sure cats and dogs are collared or wearing ID tags in case of an accidental getaway while opening and shutting doors to trick or treaters.
Keep naked flame decorations like candles and jack-o'-lanterns out of kiddies and pet`s reach. Not only is the issue of getting burned serious, but the house can be under threat from fire if a candle is knocked over and goes unnoticed with all the excitement.
Do not leave hazard items around where your pet can chew on-like streamers and fake spider webs. If the house is electrically wired to light up, then place electric cord and cabling out of the way to avoid someone tripping over them.
Its funny how kids have nightmares watching scary movies but when it comes down to the meet and greet of the actual characters come October the 31st it's a horse of a different colour.
Funtime Halloween Costumes & More
