Trick-or-treat with safety in mind

Maria Calvert is an MU Extension field specialist in human development.

UNION, Mo. – Halloween is a holiday filled with fun and spooky thrills, but it can also bring a few real-life scares if we don’t plan for a safe holiday.

Make a plan. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they go trick-or-treating. Teenagers who still participate in the festivities should travel in groups and use a “buddy system” to help ensure everyone gets home safely. Review their planned route and set a specific time for them to return home.

Stay alert while walking. Stick to well-lit streets and use sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk along the edge of the roadway facing traffic. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections and avoid distractions such as using a cellphone while walking. Never assume a driver will stop simply because pedestrians have the right of way.

Drive with extra caution. If you are driving around on Halloween, slow down and stay alert. Take extra time to watch for trick-or-treaters near roadways and use extra caution when entering and exiting driveways.

Stay with people you know. Children should never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle to receive a treat. Encourage children and teens to stay with their group and follow the planned route. Report suspicious or unlawful activity to local law enforcement.

Check the treats. An adult should inspect goodies before children eat them. Remove loose candy, opened packages and potential choking hazards. Discard items with signs of tampering, such as unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers. When in doubt, throw it out.

Make your home a safe stop. If you are handing out treats, remove tripping hazards from porches, sidewalks and steps. Make sure outdoor lighting is adequate and keep pets safely restrained. Consider using flameless candles in jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations. You can also offer nonfood treats, such as Halloween-themed toys, stickers or school supplies, as an alternative to candy.

Consider alternatives. “Trunk-or-treat” events can provide another way for families to celebrate Halloween in a community setting. Families can also try “reverse trick-or-treating,” where children dress up at home and familiar friends or family members visit with treats, allowing children to enjoy the tradition in a familiar environment.

With a little planning and attention to safety, families can enjoy a Halloween filled with fun, treats and plenty of good memories.