Halloween can be one of most exciting nights of the year for children – but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Have a safer holiday with these tips from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office:
Before you leave the house
- Give your child a flashlight or glow stick to carry or add reflective tape to their costume. That way, they can be seen more easily by passing cars.
- Also make sure their costume doesn’t block their vision – and that they can walk in it without tripping. Face paint is a good alternative to a mask.
- Remind your children about ‘stranger-danger,’ and to not get into an unfamiliar car (or enter an unfamiliar house).
While you’re trick-or-treating
- If you have a younger child, don’t let them go trick-or-treating alone. Have an adult – or older sibling – go with them.
- Avoid crossing the street between cars or in the middle of the block. Instead, cross at the corners.
- When driving through a neighborhood, be alert. Watch for trick-or-treaters entering the street.
When you get home
- When you get home from trick-or-treating, sort through your child’s candy and carefully inspect it. Throw away anything that looks suspicious – or isn’t wrapped.
COVID-19 Safety Tips
This information was provided by the Onondaga County Health Department
- Stay at least 6 feet from those you don’t live with.
- Get creative if you’re handing out treats: use a chute, tongs, or set up a station outdoors with individually packaged treats for kids to take.
- Don’t put candy in a big bowl for kids to grab from, and don’t have direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
- Stay in small groups if you do go out.
- Don’t wear a costume mask in place of a cloth face mask.
- Don’t hand out candy if you or someone in your household are sick or are in quarantine or isolation.
The Onondaga County Health Department also recommends the following “safer” Halloween activities: virtual costume contest; family movie night; Halloween scavenger hunt; and pumpkin decorating.
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For more information, visit ongov.net/health.
