Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Charlene Wilkinson of Safe Kids Tuscaloosa about Halloween safety tips. Charlene is a retired police officer of the Tuscaloosa Police Department. She has been serving the community with much needed safety tips, information, and resources through Safe Kids Tuscaloosa for several years. 
With a month-full of fall festivals, trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and events children are dressing up and receiving candy. Ms. Charlene has a wealth of information on keeping your family safe in many circumstances, and has given a Halloween Safety talk in schools across the county. I am so grateful that she took some time to share with Mac Kid Tuscaloosa best practices for staying safe this autumnal holiday season.
To put it simply, there are two main questions to ask when preparing for Halloween festivities, specifically trick-or-treating. "Where do we go? and What should we wear?" Let's break it down one question at a time.
Where should we go?
Ms. Wilkerson advises parents to stay in your own neighborhood or places you are familiar with. That way you know or are aware of your surroundings. People participating in passing out treats will have their porch lights on. If you are going to a neighborhood you are not as familiar with, ALWAYS knock. Once you say "Trick-or-Treat," take a step back. Never go inside a home that you do not know the residents.
Festivals and fall fairs are also great choices because they are credible establishments. Sometimes businesses, libraries, or museums will also have fall events to celebrate the season. Trunk or Treats are also great events to participate in.
If you plan to send your children around the neighborhood, it's best to go in a group. Always have a responsible adult, family member, or older sibling accountable. This will aid in safety measures as well as being seen. One great rule of thumb for treats, "Always check treats before we eat."
What should we wear?
Ms. Charlene shared some great reminders and tips about Halloween costumes. First, they should be bright and colorful. If you choose a costume that is dark, be sure to add reflective material or tape. Reflective Saftey bands are a good tool to use. They are are like the slap bands. Located with exercise equipment.
Even if it is daylight when you leave your home, prepare for it to get dark while you are out. Have something to put your treats in. Preferably something with a handle (ie. A bag, jackolantern), this leaves hands free so you have use of your hands.
Second, have a light to carry will help you and your children stay visible. If possible, use the same hand to carry the treat bag and light so that you will have a free hand.
Third, consider what facial accessories your child will wear. Kids love to wear Halloween masks, but they can be dangerous, Ms. Charlene states. Costume masks can block vision. A child's peripheral vision is impaired when they use most Halloween masks. An alternative to a mask is face paint/ makeup. There are so many things you can do with face paint. Thanks to Pinterest and You Tube, there are many tutorials available online. If you are going to wear a costume mask, approach where you are going, then put on your mask before calling out “Trick-or-Treat.”
A final tip about costumes: make sure it fits properly. If it is too long or too big, it could cause the child to trip or fall. You also want to be cautious if a costume is too tight or too baggy.
So remember when choosing costumes safely: Keep it BRIGHT. Have the right FIT. You want to be seen (and able to see).
During this unusual time...Wilkerson reminds families to be safe, mask up; sanitize; and social distance. If you would like to learn more about Safe Kids, visit their website by clicking here. You can also view their facebook page HERE.
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