Halloween Safety Tips 2022

Trick-Or-Treating While Black

Given the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as concerns about recent racial tensions, Black parents have worries surrounding Halloween this year.

While Halloween is a time for children to have fun, Black parents oftentimes face unique safety concerns. This year they are caught between two difficult choices: the dangers of COVID-19 and recent racial tensions. What can be done to keep kids safe under these circumstances?

You have a few options for celebrating Halloween with your kids. You can either have a small party at home with close family and friends, take them trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, or go to a structured activity in the community. If you decide to go out trick-or-treating, there are some things you can do to keep your kids safe, such as using reflective tape on their costumes.

Halloween Safety Tips for Parents of Black Children

As Halloween rapidly approaches, consider these 34 safety tips for parents of Black children. Some of these apply if you’re chaperoning younger children Trick-or-Treating, while others are for older kids who will be going out with friends or by themselves.

Love and Care – Primarily, tell them you love and care for their safety which is why you’re taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone healthy – without scaring them unnecessarily in the process.
Safety First – Go over trick-or-treating safety rules with them before they go out.
Have a Great Time – Help them understand that they can still have a great time despite the current the climate of fear and tension.
There are some WEIRD costumes! – For both children and adults, some costumes may trigger anxiety. If they are feeling overwhelmed, assure them this is not unusual and they can come to you with questions.
You have Rights – Make sure they know that they have a right to be treated fairly and with respect.
Neighborhood Chat – Create a group chat with your neighbors to share any incidents or safety concerns.
Stay together – Make sure they know to stay with their group and not to wander off.
Safety in Numbers – Go out in a group or a COVID-safe pod you have defined.
Avoid the shadows – Choose a well-lit route.
Stick to what you know – Stay in familiar neighborhoods or streets.
Go where you are welcomed – Avoid dark houses or homes that don’t have their porch lights on.
Stick to who you know – Only knock on the doors of people you know.
Don’t linger – Keep moving and keep track of the time.
Be decisive – Let your child know when it’s time to go home.
Be Patient – Try to avoid crossing paths with other groups of trick-or-treaters as you go from house to house. Wait for the others to leave before approaching a new house.
See and Be Seen – Help them choose a Halloween costume that is easily visible and does not obstruct their vision.
Costume Safety – Make sure their costumes are flame-retardant and have reflector tape on them.
Visual Safety – Choose face paint instead of masks, if possible. If they are going to carry a prop or weapon, make sure it is fake and cannot be mistaken for a real weapon, or choose another costume.
Make sure you can SEE – Bring a flashlight and/or fully-charged cell phone in case of emergencies
Teen check-ins – If your children are older, they might not want you to tag along. Check in with them frequently to ensure they’re okay and enjoying themselves.
Don’t get in a tight spot – Instruct them not to enter strangers’ homes or vehicles.
Friends, Family, Fun and Treats – Remind your children that Halloween is a time to be with family and friends and that they can enjoy all the fun and sweets that come with it.
Make a backup plan – Have a solid plan in place if your child gets lost. Before your child goes out, consider establishing an emergency meeting place that your child knows.
Stay Alert – Keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior while you’re trick or treating.
It’s okay to leave early – Let them know that they can always come back if they don’t want to continue Trick-or-Treating.
Remember to charge the phone – Make sure they have a charged cell phone with them in case of emergencies.
Just walk away – If you see anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately.
Trust your instincts – don’t hesitate to call 911 if something doesn’t feel right.
Even tiny tots should know – Make sure they know your name, address, and phone number in case they need to reach you.
Tag their costume – Put a name tag with this information on their costume or bag. This way, it will be easily accessible in case they need it. However, don’t put their names on the outside of their costumes. Predators can call out their names as if they know them and kids are more likely to go to strangers that know their names.
Pictures can be life savers – Take a photo of your child in their costume, as well as a close-up shot of their face; this will come in handy if they manage to lose their way.
Check the “loot” – Make sure to go through your child’s candy before they eat it, and explain to them why this is important.
Explain when it’s a no-go – If you decide not to take your kids trick or treating this year, help them understand why. It’s important to let them know that you love them and want them to be safe.
Alternative activities – There are many alternatives to the typical trick-or-treating that still let your children have fun on Halloween. For example, many churches and community organizations host supervised Halloween activities specifically tailored to different age groups. Or you could even throw a Halloween party at home! This is a great way to keep your kids safe while they’re enjoying the holiday season.

Have a happy and safe Halloween by following these tips! Make sure to supervise your children, have a plan in place in case something goes awry, take necessary precautions, and most importantly – enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. A little extra effort will go a long way in making this year’s Halloween one to remember for all the right reasons.