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Halloween is approaching! There are some simple safety steps you can take to ensure that your family has a safe and fun holiday.
According to Samantha Stern, training and development director at Ebenezer Child Care Centers, “It’s important for parents to be aware of the possible dangers of selecting costumes, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating, so accidents can be avoided and everyone can enjoy Halloween.”
Selecting Costumes
All children get excited about picking out the perfect costume for Halloween. However, Stern recommends that you exercise parental discretion when selecting costumes.
“Make sure you pick flame retardant costumes, and ones that allow your children to see clearly and walk freely without restraint, says Stern. “If your children will be trick-or-treating at night, consider purchasing costumes that are brightly-colored, and be thoughtful 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
Stern advises that you should never allow children to carve jack-o-lanterns without supervision and assistance. She also suggests that, instead of using a knife, you purchase a pumpkin carving tool which is less dangerous and available at most convenience stores.
When you have the pulp and seeds of the pumpkin removed, throw them away immediately to avoid a choking hazard. 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
Stern says that you should never allow children to trick-or-treat alone. You also want to make sure that your children only walk 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.
“Always go trick-or-treating with your children, and make sure that you inspect all candy for tampering and for any items that are unwrapped, prior to allowing your children to eat it,” says Stern. “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.
The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, on Milwaukee’s southside, and in Greenfield, 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 https://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/.