Saturday, 26 October 2013

Halloween Safety

Halloween is the time of year that children absolutely love and it's just around the corner. It combines two of their favourite things to do: getting dressed up in something cute/funny or scary AND consuming as many sweets as they possibly can before they puke. I used to love going out trick or treating on Halloween when I was younger. And back in my day, if people didn't have sweets, they used to give pound coins. I haven't gone trick or treating in so many years with opting to go to Halloween parties instead so I'm not too sure how much it has changed nowadays. I know that children aren't as free to go roaming the streets knocking on strangers doors and to an extent rightly so.
We equip our children with the knowledge of stranger danger on a regular day to day basis but this sometimes goes out of the window on Halloween so if you have children or are taking children out, please read some of these tips to keep you and your children safe on this fun holiday.

TIPS FOR TRICK OR TREATERS'
1. Stay in areas that are well lit. 
You don't want to find yourself down a street that is dark and full of people in costumes that you can't identify. Like any other night, all people are strangers and just because they are dressed as one of your favourite characters, does not mean they are friendly. It might be a good idea to take a torch in case you do find yourself in a dark street by accident but stay in well lit areas and you'll be able to see where everyone is to avoid danger.

2. Do not ever enter any person's house.
Stay on the doorstep and if they invite you inside, walk away. There is no need for you to enter a house if you are trick or treating. Make sure that you stress the rules of trick or treating to any child. And if your child is young or you do not feel comfortable, always go with them. Never leave a vulnerable child to go out by themselves.

3. Only go to places and houses that you know.
It can be quite a frightening time for both trick or treaters as well as home owners with people dressed up and trying to be spooky so don't add another scare to your fun night by getting lost or being scared of the place where you are. Keep yourself safe and stick to places that you know and houses of family and friends that way you'll have a super fun night out.

4. Don't knock on houses that say "No trick or treat."
Respect people's choice to be able to say no to people trick or treating where they live. It is after all their house and their choice should be respected. Move on to a house that you know will welcome you.

5. Have fun but stay safe.
The whole point of Halloween is to have as much fun as you can and dress in whatever costume you would like. It's important to stay safe but make sure that you also have a fun night whilst you're keeping yourself safe.
I'm not sure what my plans are for Halloween yet. I've been invited to a Halloween night out but whether I will go or not I have not yet decided. Are you doing anything this Halloween? If you are, let me know in the comments below. And if you're dressing up, let me know what your costume is as well!

xxx

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