Halloween: Creating a Safe Stop for Trick-or-Treaters

Each October you begin to see signs of Halloween at Franciscan Hospital for Children. Spooky scenes cut from construction paper, creative fall leaves made using bent toilet paper tubes and paint, decorated pumpkins and more adorn our halls, inviting children and adults alike to join in the holiday fun.

Our staff goes above and beyond in creating a festive atmosphere for our patients, students, families and guests, including hosting a trick-or-treating parade on Halloween. Those children spending their day with us are invited to visit departments throughout the Hospital, collecting various edible and non-edible treats. Many departments choose a costume theme and dress up accordingly – from Dr. Seuss’ characters, to breakfast foods, to Wizard of Oz favorites, you’re bound to find the adults having just as much fun as the kids as you walk around our campus.

For those families celebrating at home, we’re down to the final countdown. But as you’re making last minute costume changes and stocking up on treats for your guests, don’t forget to refresh yourself and your children on safety tips to make your holiday a safe and happy one!

Below we’re sharing a few tips of our own to help you make your home a safe stop for trick-or-treaters:

1. Light It Up – While Jack-o-lanterns provide a fun, eerie feel to complement this spooky holiday, they don’t offer much light to guide families up to your front door. Check your outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs as needed.

2. Clear Pathways – The foliage in New England is beautiful this time of year, but it can be hard to keep up with the leaves as they fall. Clear the path to your door of leaves and other debris, including toys, lawn décor or other items that kids might easily trip on.

3. Pet-Conscious – Yes, even pets often join in on the Halloween fun! For those homes accepting trick-or-treaters, check to make sure that your furry friends are properly restrained so as to not unintentionally scare, jump on, or bite your treat-seeking guests.

4. Allergy-Friendly – Food allergies have increasingly become a concern for many families, making Halloween an even scarier holiday than intended. Offering inexpensive, non-food treats can be a great way to include all kids in the trick-or-treating festivities. For more information, check out the Teal Pumpkin Project here.

5. Stick to the Store – For those homes offering edible goodies, stick to the store-bought, individually packaged treats – even if your homemade cookies are the best around.

Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween!

For more Halloween Safety tips, check out the CDC or Safe Kids Worldwide.