By: Ga Ming West, Media Coordinator

Halloween will be here soon, so that means cool costumes and lots of yummy treats! As you and your troops gear up for the fun festivities, make sure to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips and trick to ensure you enjoy this festive holiday!

Trick-or-treating
If you decide to go trick-or-treating, this activity is safer (and more fun) in a group so gather your Girl Scout troop members and go out together! Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night and without adult supervision. Older kids should always stay in familiar areas that are well lit. It’s helpful to plan and review a route that’s acceptable and agree on a specific time when children should be home. Trick-or-treaters should only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. It’s also advised that children refrain from eating their treats until they’ve been inspected by an adult when they return home.

Be Alert
When you’re walking through a neighborhood, always make sure to be on the lookout for cars before crossing the street. It’s also a good idea to put away any electronic devices to avoid being distracted.

Costume Safety
As it gets darker earlier, it’s important that trick-or-treaters can be easily seen. You can use reflective tape or stickers to decorate costumes or bags. Glow sticks and flashlights are another good option. We have several types of flashlights available that you can purchase at your local council shop or online.

It’s also important that children can see and move properly. Face paint and makeup is always a better alternative to masks because they don’t obstruct a child’s vision. When selecting a costume, ensuring the right size will prevent trips and falls.

We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween! What fun costume is your Girl Scout planning on dressing up as for this holiday?