It’s that SPOOK-TACULAR time of year again – HALLOWEEN!! Yes, the time of year we can all dress up as monsters, ghosts, goblins and walk up to strangers houses to get candy! As we gear up for the trick-or-treating festivities, here are a couple reminders to help keep you and your family safe this Halloween season.

1. ALL DRESSED UP

Make sure your children’s costumes are well-fitting, bright or even reflective. If your childs costume doesn’t fit them properly, it can casue harm or injury. Kids have enough to worry about, like how to get that big pillowcase full of candy back home – so, make sure their costume is well fitting and not loose, baggy or too dark that they can’t be seen by drivers. Have a Grim Reaper on your hand? Consider brightening up the costume with a glow bracelet or necklace. It’s a fun way to stand out to drivers!

2. KEEPING IN TOUCH

In the midst of running around the neighborhood, house to house looking for candy, make a plan with your kids before you leave for the evening. Designate a location to meet in case you and your child get separated. Make sure your kids can contact your cell phone, 9-1-1, or the local emergency number in the event they become lost.

3. WALK SAFELY

As much as we are glued to our cell phones, put electronic devices down and keep heads up when walking with your children around the neighborhood. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, “On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.” Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

4. HEALTHY HALLOWEEN

With all the candies and goodies we collect trick-or-treating, it’s hard NOT to give in to the pressure of snacking while exploring neighborhood haunts. Be sure to eat a good meal prior to parties and the festivities. This will keep youngsters tummies full and discourage Halloween treats throughout the evening.

5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TIMES!

Map out a full schedule of Halloween events.  The communities have tons of great fall and Halloween activities; take advantage of them! From the Little Boo at the Zoo, to neighborhood trick-or-treating, to Thayer Family Dealerships event! Yes – on Thursday, October 30th, please stop out to the Thayer Family Dealerships from 5 – 7PM for some Halloween fun! We will be passing out candy at each of the stores along with offering free Halloween gifts. We hope to see you there!

Happy Halloween Everybody!