ARLINGTON, Texas – As Halloween approaches, Arlington residents are preparing for a night of spooky excitement.
But with the anticipated fun comes the responsibility of ensuring a safe and enjoyable night of trick-or-treating. Here is a quick guide of how to stay safe on Halloween.
Plan Ahead
It is important to ensure that children are visible if they are crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk. Choose costumes that don’t obstruct vision and include bright colors or reflective clothing that’s easy to see in the dark. Carrying a flashlight or having glowsticks is a safe and fun way to ensure children are visible.
Health Comes First
Stay rested to enjoy the night of fun. Getting enough sleep can boost energy and the immune system. Drink plenty of water. Wearing a heavy costume can be hot, so it is important to stay hydrated throughout the night. To avoid overheating, opt for a costume that is comfortable and easy to move around in.
With spooky season comes flu season. There are many Arlington locations where flu shots are available. As just two examples, Walgreens at 8100 Matlock Road and the Albertsons Pharmacy at 5950 S. Cooper St. offer flu shots.
Stay Safe
It is important to set boundaries and rules about where children are allowed to go and with whom they are allowed to trick or treat with. Accompanying your child or having them trick-or-treat with a responsible adult can help to keep children safe. Avoid unfamiliar areas and pay attention to your surroundings, including watching out for cars. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022 nearly half of all crash fatalities during Halloween night were due to driving with alcohol. For more from the NTSA about responsible trick-or-treating, click here.
Food and Allergy Safety
It is important to prioritize food safety for those with allergies. Read labels on treats for allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten and soy.
One in 13 children have food allergies, so it’s important to ensure that they can enjoy treats without risk.
Homemade treats are one way to avoid allergens in food because of the control it provides families over food ingredients. Another option is to look for allergy free candy at local stores. Target has a list online of candies that are allergen free that ranges from Sour Patch Kids to Nerds.
If an allergy emergency arises, be sure to keep necessary medications handy.
And if attending a party, always let the host know what you are allergic to and ask questions about the ingredients in homemade treats.
Allergens aren’t the only worries. Always check your child’s candy to ensure it hasn’t been opened or tampered with prior to allowing them to eat it.