Halloween Safety Tips for You and Your Family

Halloween is supposed to be scary, but there are still ways to stay safe while enjoying the spirit of the holiday. You should be able to focus more on fun and treats on this special night, and not spend it worrying about your kids.

So be sure to follow these Halloween safety tips that we've put together for you so that you and your family can enjoy an extra safe Halloween this year!

As an extra bonus, we're spreading the word about the popular and growing Teal Pumpkin Project and what you can do to help every child get the most out of their Halloween night!

1. To be as safe as possible, schedule an adult with the trick-or-treating group at all times. If you're unable to go, see if another parent can look over the kids instead. Children under 12 should definitely not be left alone during the night without supervision.
2. Whether or not your kids will have adult supervision, make sure someone has or knows where a small first aid kit is handy. At the least, inlcude bandaids, hand sanitizers, and antibiotic cream in case of any bad falls. In case of a serious injury, tell your kids not to hesitate to call you or 911.
3. If you aren't sharing the adventure with your kids, make sure you know exactly where they are going and are able to contact them, and ideally some of their friends and/or the parents responsible for the event. Make sure that they contact you if their plans change, and keep you periodically updated (once an hour, etc.).
4. Set a curfew and require them to contact you immediately if they are going to be delayed.
5. If your kids are trick-or-treating, make sure everyone in the group has a flashlight. Make sure that they don't only use it to help them see, but to help others see them as well.
6. Make sure your child's costume is safe! If they are wearing dark colors, make sure they wear something bright or reflective at all times to help drivers see them. If they are wearing any sort of mask or head gear, make sure that they can see clearly. Try to avoid any accessories that may easily cause them or other kids to trip.
7. Keep your kids safe from trouble by discussing vandalism with them. Make sure they know where the line is between having fun and breaking the law.
8. Make sure they are safe around any streets, even on the sidewalks. They should try to stay vigilant and be aware of any cars passing by. Teach them to look both ways before crossing the road, and make eye contact with any drivers to be sure that they were seen. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left-hand side facing oncoming traffic.
9. If you or your kids are driving, be aware of trick-or-treaters at all times. Slow down even when you don't think you are that close to a group--you never know when a kid may get distracted and dart across the street. Stop at all intersections, even if there isn't a stop sign. If backing up, go even slower than normal.
10. If your child has allergies, make sure they don't consume anything before you get a chance to inspect the food. If you won't be with them, make sure that others are aware of their allergies and know exactly what to do in case of an emergency. Even if they are a teenager and know to be careful, accidents can happen!

Extra Halloween Tips for Pet Owners

1. If you have any outdoor cats, please bring them indoors for the week. Some people target and abuse cats during this time of year, especially black ones.
2. If you have dogs--even if they are friendly--try to keep them away from crowds of strangers. All the excitement can overwhelm them, so it's best to put them somewhere where they feel safe. You also never know when a guest might be allergic!
3. This is a scary time of year for your pets too! If your pets dislike the doorbell, consider sitting outside to hand out treats or leaving a note telling trick-or-treaters to knock instead.

Bonus: Consider Joining the Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a global effort to bring awareness to food allergies. Households are encouraged to offer non-food treats for trick-or-treaters, like glow sticks or small toys, for children with food allergies. To participate, simply place a teal-colored pumpkin in front of their house during the holiday to let others know that you have non-food items available for children.

To learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project, or browse some tips and ideas, visit their official website here: http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project.

CPR Savers and First Aid Supply has special deals on Halloween products, including reflective safety vests, glow sticks, flashlights, fake blood, CPR masks, and more!