Halloween Safety Tips

Wis. – Halloween is approaching! Are you ready to celebrate this ghoulishly fun holiday with your children?  

   According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations in Milwaukee, Mequon, Greenfield, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa, “It’s important for parents to be aware of the possible dangers involved with selecting costumes, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating, so accidents can be avoided and everyone can enjoy the holiday.”

   Here are some useful tips to ensure that your entire family has a safe and fun Halloween. 

Selecting Costumes

   All children get excited about picking out the perfect costume for Halloween.  However, Anderson recommends that you exercise parental discretion when you select a costume.

   “Make sure you choose flame retardant costumes, and ones that allow your children to see clearly and walk freely without restraint,” says Anderson. “If your children will be trick-or-treating at night, consider purchasing costumes that are brightly colored and be mindful of the weather. While princess and fairy costumes are always a preference for little girls, they aren’t very practical for Wisconsin’s weather.”

Carving Pumpkins

   Anderson advises that you never allow your children to carve jack-o-lanterns without supervision and assistance. She also suggests that, instead of using knives, you purchase pumpkin carving tools that are less dangerous and available at most convenience stores.

   Finally, never allow your children to light their jack-o-lanterns, and always make sure that they are set in places that are not near flammables or little hands.

Trick-or-Treating

   Anderson says that you should never allow your children to trick-or-treat alone. You should go with them and make sure they stay on sidewalks and in driveways, and that they only visit homes where the lights are on. It’s also a good idea to carry flashlights.

   “When you get home, make sure that you inspect all candy for tampering and any items that are unwrapped, prior to allowing your children to eat them,” says Anderson. “If your children are under the age of 5, also take a moment to remove all candy that could pose a choking hazard.”

   Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.

   Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers a variety of free Family Fun Nights and other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.

   The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, on Milwaukee’s southside, in Greenfield, Mequon, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1496 South 29th Street, Milwaukee. For more information, please call 414-643-5070 or visit the agency’s website at www.ebenezerchildcare.com.