By Kyli Gough, RDN, LD – St. Luke’s, Community Health Manager
Jennifer Westendorf – Safe Kids Magic Valley Coordinator
Halloween is an exciting time of year. Here are some tips for a safe and enjoyable holiday:
All Dressed Up:
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light-colored clothing.
- Masks can obstruct a child’s vision so choose nontoxic face paint and makeup whenever possible and ensure children’s vision is not obstructed.
- Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights so they can see better, as well as be seen by drivers.
On the Trick-or-Treat Trail:
- Stay alert – Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up and don’t dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
- Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic on the far left.
- Put electronic devices down and keep heads up. Walk, don’t run, across the street.
- It’s best to cross the street safely at corners. And, always look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
Spooktacular Drive:
- Slow down in residential neighborhoods. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
- Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate.
The Trick is to enjoy the Treat:
- Provide a good meal prior to parties or trick-or-treating so children don’t feel the need to fill up on treats.
- Consider mixing up the candy bowl; instead, try items such as individual fruit cups, whole-grain cheddar crackers, 100 percent fruit juice, gum or mini-pretzels.
- Non-food treats can be comparable in price and even more exciting for kids to receive (coloring books, bouncy balls, stickers, spider rings or pencils/pens).
- Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween. Perhaps let them pick their favorite items to enjoy and donate the rest.