Parents in San Antonio know the drill—they want their little ones to have a super-fun and not-too-spooky time trick-or-treating, all the while staying safe. Kids love the magic of Halloween: Trick-or-treating, classroom parties and trips to a neighborhood haunted house. But for moms and dads, often there is a fine line between Halloween fun and safety concerns, especially when it comes to road and pedestrian safety. Follow these handy tips and your little princess, Minion, Batman, or Spider-Man should be good to go while trick-or-treating in San Antonio.
Safety Basics for Trick-or-Treating in San Antonio
Halloween can be fun for everyone, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t dangers lurking in the night. This Halloween, don’t forget these safety basics:
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
- Agree on a specific time children should return home
- Teach your children to never enter a stranger’s home or car
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
- Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation
Safety Tips for Motorists and those Welcoming Trick-or-Treaters
Halloween safety is not only important for those participating in trick-or-treating in San Antonio. Safety should also be a main concern for motorists and those welcoming trick-or-treaters to their home on Halloween night. Follow these tips to ensure safety for everyone:
- Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.
- Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.
- Restrain your pets.
- Light the area well so the young visitors can see.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween
*Information courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council.
For more Halloween fun, check out Halloween Decorations for Your San Antonio Home.