Intergenerational Halloween Safety Tips

From buying candy and costumes to decorating their home and yard, many families plan for Halloween months in advance. Some say this holiday is second only to Christmas in terms of popularity. Research shows that 44 million kids go trick-or-treating each year, and almost 20% of pets dress up in a costume, too. This spooky holiday adds an estimated $2.6 billion to the economy annually.

While Halloween can be great fun for the entire family, from grandparents to the youngest members, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are a few tips to review and share.

Keeping the Whole Family Safe on Halloween

• Use makeup, not masks: Avoid masks that might obstruct a child’s vision and put them at risk for an accident. Opt instead for hypoallergenic makeup to add detail to the face.
• Add strips of reflective tape: Light-colored costumes are generally best, but if that’s not possible, reflecting tape can be an option. Apply strips of it on the backs of shoes and in different places all over costumes.
• Avoid long costumes: Kids and seniors alike can be at risk for a trip-and-fall accident if their costume is too long. Have costumes altered so they don’t present that danger.
• Pack cell phones and flashlights: Depending on the neighborhood where you go to trick-or-treat, the night can be a little hectic. Make sure everyone packs their cell phone and a flashlight. You might want to consider purchasing hands-free flashlights for the evening. There are different models available that can be clipped to shoes, worn on wrists or as headlamps, and more.
• Skip dark houses: Even if the porch light is on, it’s often a good idea to skip homes in areas that aren’t well-lit. There may be potential fall hazards on sidewalks and stairs that you can’t see.
• Don’t forget the EpiPen: If your child or someone in the family has an allergy, don’t forget to pack an EpiPen. Also, make sure everyone in the group is aware of the allergy and where to find the pen.
• Label children’s costumes: For children who aren’t old enough to know and articulate their name, phone number, and address, create a label for their costume. Pin or tape the label inside the costume.
• Avoid personalized bags: While personalized treat bags are fun, they also increase the risk of stranger danger. Someone can use it to call the child to them when you aren’t looking. Plain white pillowcases or bags are best.

If the weather is bad or you decide to just skip trick-or-treating this year, an alternative to consider is hosting a spooky movie night. For a list of movies to choose from, see Halloween Movie Night.

Mobile Monitoring Units for People of All Ages

Halloween is just one example of when a mobile monitoring unit can be beneficial. You can slip one in a child’s pocket or that of a senior loved one. In the event they are separated from your group, a simple press of a button can connect them with help. Because these devices utilize wireless technology, they work from almost anywhere. Call 1-844-203-5617 to get started!