Friday, 31st of October 2008 at 07:42:30 AMDid you know that the first recorded Halloween celebration in the United States took place in 1921? That nearly a billion pumpkins are grown in the U.S. annually, nearly half of those in Illinois (where I grew up)alone? Source
It is estimated that over 36 million trick-or-treaters will hit the streets tonigh, trying to get their share of the $19 billion dollars worth of candy produced. Here are some tips to keep them safe:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
- Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
- Children should go out during daylight hours only unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves.
- Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields. Make sure they know to stay in populated places and don’t go off the beaten track. Stay in well lighted areas.
- Stop only at familiar houses in your own neighborhood unless they are accompanied by an adult.
- Small children should never be allowed to go out alone on Halloween. Make sure an older sibling or adult is with them.
- Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you.
- Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.
- Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
- Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult.
Additional safty tips can be found at
