Every year, the list of events to attend on Halloween grows bigger and bigger. In San Antonio, you can attend festivities all around the city, including at SeaWorld, the Zoo, or you can just keep it classic and go trick-or-treating. This Halloween tradition seems to start and end earlier each year and why shouldn’t it? It’s no longer safe to stay out after dark. Follow these tips to have a safe and fun Halloween with your children.
Traffic Safety. Only cross the street at corners and utilize traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don’t run across the street. Teach your children to stay on the sidewalk and never to dart out onto the road. Also, try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Put electronic devices away and keep your head up in order to stay alert of your surroundings. Also, be sure to watch out for cars that are turning or backing up.
Supervision. Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If you think that your child is mature enough to go out without supervision, make sure they trick-or-treat in big groups and stick to well-lit and familiar areas.
Costume safety. Ensure that costumes and candy bags are decorated with reflective tape. Even though it’s Halloween, you and your child don’t have to dress up in black. Choose light colors instead. Masks can hinder your vision so choose makeup instead. Trick-or-treating begins to slow down at dusk, but if you choose to stay out later, hand your kids glow sticks and flashlights. And finally, to avoid trips and falls, make sure you and your child have a costume that fits properly.
Driving. Whether you’re taking the kids to your favorite trick-or-treating neighborhood or just headed home, drive slow and be alert. Children are excited about Halloween and might act in unpredictable ways. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road.
Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert during those hours. Have a fun Halloween, San Antonio, and most importantly, be safe!