The scariest night of the year is right around the corner. That’s right, Halloween is fast approaching. Whatever your plans this Halloween, take a look at these alternatives to trick-or-treating that allow you to still feel spooky while being safe during COVID-19. And some safety tips for when driving or trick-or-treating.
In Quarantine? Try These At-Home Halloween Activities
- Go big on DIY decorations by getting the kids involved. Create delicate bats, funky pumpkins, and creepy spiders from paper, sticking them around the house for a truly spooky vibe. Add uplighting and flickering string lights to complete the atmosphere.
- Host a video call costume party. If you are unable to meet up with friends and family during this time, stay connected by calling them on Zoom or Skype. Show off your scary costumes, host a dance party, or invite them to a spooky singalong.
- Create a Halloween home movie or play by incorporating each person’s costume and character into the story. Get creative by recording it on a smartphone and saving it to look back on in years to come.
- Catch up on the latest not-so-scary movies. There are plenty of child-friendly Halloween movies and TV episodes that you can enjoy throughout the night to celebrate.
- Grab your books for a Halloween-themed reading hour. Take it in turns (if your children are old enough) to read out a page or chapter at a time. Choose spooky books complete with ghouls and monsters.
Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
If you’re going to be taking your kids trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, you’ll want to properly prepare ahead of time for a smooth night. The best way to stay safe is to ensure you’ve covered common risks and hazards that trick-or-treaters face on this night. Here are a few tips to keep your little ones safe:
- Plan your route in advance. Stick to well-lit paths and neighborhoods with which you are familiar.
- Ensure all your trick-or-treaters are wearing comfortable costumes that do not drag on the ground, as this could be a tripping hazard.
- Ensure all your trick-or-treaters are wearing comfortable footwear as they will be on their feet walking for some time.
- Ensure your trick-or-treaters have reflective strips on their costumes and candy bags so that drivers can spot them easily.
- Provide a wholesome and nutritious meal beforehand so that they are not tempted to snack on candy throughout the walk.
- When you get back to the house, check through all the candy to ensure that no wrappers have been opened or tampered with. Throw them away if you are unsure. Avoid letting your children eat homemade goodies unless they were from a person you know well.
- Keep your home safe by removing anything that could cause kids or adults to fall on the walkway.
Halloween Night Driving Tips
- Stick to speed limits or below in residential areas, especially during peak trick-or-treating hours. There will be more children on the street in the evening.
- Scan the road ahead to spot trick-or-treaters, as many children may not know to look out for cars before crossing the road.
- Take extra care when near neighborhoods and pedestrian crosswalks.
- Make it easier to see trick-or-treaters and easier for your vehicle to be seen by turning on the lights before it gets dark outside.
- Distractions in the vehicle can interrupt your concentration while driving. Put your phone out of reach, don’t touch the radio, and limit conversations while you are driving.
- If you’re going to be joining in on the Halloween fun, you should schedule a designated driver. Never get behind the wheel of a car after having an alcoholic drink.
We hope that these Halloween and trick-or-treating tips help you and others around you to stay safe on this frightful night. If you are in quarantine, you don’t have to miss out on the fun.
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