Mortgage Insights Blog

Halloween... the children’s night for Trick or Treat. It’s up to us grownups to be aware and be informed so children can have a safe and enjoyable Halloween. Supervise your children's evening and stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar.

GENERAL SAFETY

• Trick or treat with friends or with adult supervision – don’t go alone
• Set a time limit for your children to” trick-o-treat”
• NEVER enter the house or car of a stranger
• Do not take short cuts through alley ways, back yards or unlit parks
• Carry a cell phone or a few quarters for a pay phone so you can call home if you need to

RISKY ROADWAYS

• Children become careless from excitement and may run into the road.
• Dusk is the time of poorest visibility for drivers. Try to trick or treat while it is still daylight.
• Choose a costume that is easy to walk in, easy to see out of and can be seen by car drivers.
• If the trick or treating lasts into the night, wear a light colored costume.
• Use reflective tape on the costume for additional visibility.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police department immediately

DANGEROUS DRESS

• Loose costumes, oversized bags or unsafe shoes can cause falls or accidents.
• Sharp or pointed toy weapons are unsafe.
• If wearing a mask, choose one that is cool, comfortable and easy to see out of.
• Take off the mask before crossing the street. Better yet, choose make-up instead of a mask.

FRIGHTFUL FLAMES

• Billowing Costumes are dangerous around an open flame.
• Flowing wigs are unsafe around candles.
• Wigs and costumes should be made of non–flammable materials.
• Use a flashlight. It makes children more visible and lights their way.

TREACHEROUS TREATS

• Treats must be checked for potential poisoning or unsafe objects.
• All fruit should be washed and cut into small pieces to make sure nothing is inside.
• Unpackaged items such as popcorn or small candies should be DISCARDED.
• Candy with loose or torn wrapping should also be DISCARDED.
• Feed the kids before they go out so they will be less likely to eat treats before they get home and warn them not to eat anything until you can inspect it
• If you discover anything wrong with a treat brought home, report it to local law enforcement so that other parents may be warned and the responsible party caught.

Always use common sense, caution and adult supervision to make this Halloween an exciting and fun filled event. Your children will remember their experiences trick or treating for years to come, make them great memories and stay safe.