The first Halloween celebration that took place in the United States occurred in Anoka, Minnesota in 1921. It’s been over 100 years since and Americans are still as eager as ever to dress up in their favorite costumes and participate in the old tradition of trick-or-treating.
Before you head out this year, take some time to come up with a plan so that you and those you care about can have a fun time while being safe at the same time.
Set boundaries – Before you leave your house, be sure to plan out a safe route to ensure that those you are with are familiar with the major streets in your area. This way, they can easily navigate themselves back to your home once the evening is finished. It’s a good idea to explain the importance of only visiting homes that have lights on. Never enter the home of a stranger for any reason whatsoever. There is also a higher likelihood that drunk drivers will be on the roads during the night.
Drive safe – Always remember to never text while driving and to keep your eyes on the road in front of you. On Halloween night, there are bound to be a lot of kids walking across streets and some of them may have on costumes that are not as easy to see when it’s dark. Afford yourself some extra time to get where you need to go. Drive slowly and turn your headlights on.
Avoid the tricks – Don’t participate in any illegal activity i.e. trespassing or vandalism. Make sure your Halloween night stays fun and that everyone gets home safely.
Host your own party – If you have children, consider giving them and their friends a safe place to have a party so they can socialize and hang out.
Brighten up your costume – Visibility is one of the most important factors when it comes to Halloween safety. If your costume has bright colors, drivers will have a better chance of seeing you, so you don’t get hit!
Stay in a group – Remind your children that it can be extremely dangerous to be out and about after dark by themselves. It’s best to stay in a group and to never wander off away from the group. Stick together!