All the little goblins and ghouls are getting excited for the Halloween weekend! Candy aisles at the local markets are bare and we expect Halloween to be a big celebration this year. Adults and children alike are trying on costumes and making final preparations for an evening of fun. With all the commotion about celebrating Halloween this year and the anticipated excitement of our little monsters running from house to house in search of goodies, we should take the time to review some safety guidelines for Halloween.
The Hamilton County Reporter has an informative article with guidelines to follow for a safer celebration this Halloween: https://readthereporter.com/carmel-sets-hours-for-halloween-trick-or-treating/ :
- Homes welcoming trick-or-treaters should turn on porch lights during trick or treat hours set by your city. Here is a list of Indiana cities with scheduled trick-or-treating hours: https://fox59.com/news/halloween-2021-trick-or-treat-times-in-central-indiana/
- If you do not wish to receive trick-or-treaters or have run out of candy, turn off your porch lights. This will signal that you are no longer participating.
- While there are many neighborhoods that hold their own Halloween activities, city officials encourage people who want to trick-or-treat door-to-door to use the official hours.
- Parents and guardians should be aware of the current COVID-19 recommendations put forth by the CDC and the Indiana State Department of Health.
- Motorists should drive with extra caution around Halloween and keep an eye out for “little goblins” roaming the neighborhood.
- Adults should always accompany their children and carry a flashlight at night, staying within their own neighborhood and known homes. Watch for traffic before crossing any street.
- Avoid costumes that are long, which could cause tripping, or costumes that have hard plastic or wood props like swords that could be a hazard.
- Face paint is often a safer alternative to masks, which may obstruct vision.
- It is important to inspect candy before allowing children to eat it. Dispose of any unwrapped candy.
The Indiana State Police Department also recommends the following tips: (https://www.in.gov/isp/additional-resources/links/halloween-safety/)
Trick or Treating:
- Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends. Map out a safe route with your kids so parents know where they will be.
- Instruct children to stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
- Encourage children to trick-or-treat while it’s still light out. If children are out after dark, make sure they have flashlights and travel on well lighted streets.
- Remind children not to enter the homes or cars of strangers.
- Follow your communities trick-or-treating hours.
Treats
- Remind children not to eat any of their treats until they get home.
- Check out all treats at home in a well-lighted place.
- Only eat unopened candies and other treats that are in original wrappers. Remember to inspect fruits for anything suspicious.
Halloween can be a fun-filled evening enhanced by these safety guidelines.
