Have a Safe and Sweet Halloween

Candy by alexa fades away (CC BY 2.0)

The month of October screams fun. There’s marathons of Halloween classics on TV, such as Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Later in the month, we get to dress up in our costumes and trick or treat with our friends. Although Halloween is all about the spooks and ahhs, it is also important to know how to stay safe during this holiday. Here are some tips to help you have a safe and sweet Halloween.

Look bright and stand out

stjohn_skinny_legs_59 by E2Brutai (CC BY 2.0)
stjohn_skinny_legs_59 by E2Brutai (CC BY 2.0)

Most Halloweens, kids like to dress up in costumes made of dark fabrics because they believe it to be scarier, or their favorite character happens to wear black clothing. For Halloween, it is preferred that bright colors be worn, that way you can be seen better at night. If you do choose to wear a dark costume, add some reflective tape, that way drivers and other trick-or-treaters can see you.

The perfect fit

Who dressed YOU? by juhansonin (CC BY 2.0)
Who dressed YOU? by juhansonin (CC BY 2.0)

When buying or making your own costume, make sure it fits you properly. Having a sleeve that is too long can be dangerous if you accidentally brush against a jack-o’-lantern because it could create a fire. It is highly recommended that your costume be made of flame resistant fabric, such as polyester or nylon. If the length from the bottom is too long, be careful because there’s a higher chance of tripping.
If you plan on wearing a mask, make sure you can see out of it.

day of the dead by peyri (CC BY-ND 2.0)
day of the dead by peyri (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Check to make sure that the holes are big enough to see and breathe through. Another alternative to not wearing your mask is to draw the design on your face. Here are some Pinterest tutorials to help you. Before adding any Halloween makeup to your face, test it out to make sure you’re not allergic to it.

Carry a flashlight

flashlight by SSC-Aviation (CC BY-SA 2.0)
flashlight by SSC-Aviation (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Trick-or-treating for the most part starts once the sun starts to go down. In some cities, for smaller children, it starts during the day. If trick-or-treating in your neighborhood starts after sunset, make sure to bring a flashlight with you. It will not only help you be able to see your surroundings, but it’ll allow drivers know that you are walking.
 
 

It’s lit

Monster House by deege@fermentarium.com (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Monster House by deege@fermentarium.com (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Only trick or treat from homes that are well lighted and whose homes you know. If the light isn’t on, it probably means that the home is not handing out any candy. It’s not even worth ringing the doorbell because you’ll just be disappointed that they’re not giving out any treats. Remember to never going inside a stranger’s home even if they’re handing out the best candy. It is better if they’re handing out the candy at their door or in their parkway.

Safety with candy

Halloween Candy by terren in Virginia (CC BY 2.0)
Halloween Candy by terren in Virginia (CC BY 2.0)

When trick or treating, sometimes we’ll see in our bags our favorite candy and we want to eat it right away. A lot of times, we forget about some of the dangers about Halloween candy (and no I’m not talking about cavities). Before eating or trading candy with your friends, make sure you check to see if the wrapper isn’t teared or has any tiny holes on it. This could mean that something might have been added to it. Also, if loose candy is given to you, don’t eat it. Always make sure that your candy is wrapped and safe to eat.
halloween-safety-tips-v3

What’s your favorite halloween candy? Tell us in the comment section below!