Patrick Volvo Cars Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating this Halloween

Happy Halloween from all of us at Patrick Volvo Cars!

Halloween is one of the most memorable nights for children of all ages. The costumes, the candy, the adventure-it’s a time you constantly look back on and admire your youth, and the fun you had! Whether you’re trick-or-treating with your kids, or staying home handing out candy, here are some safety tips for you to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable night! If you’re in the Schaumburg area, recommended trick or treating hours are 3:00pm to 7:00pm during daylight hours!

For trick-or-treaters

• General Safety:
  • Before going out, set a time frame on when to return home, plan and discuss the trick-or-treat route, and know the names of older children's companions. 
  • Children should trick-or-treat on well-lit streets in their own neighborhood. Parents or other responsible adults should accompany young children.
• Visibility:
  • Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights on costumes and bags to make trick-or-treaters visible to drivers.
  • Carry a flashlight to see sidewalks and paths clearly.
  • Wear light-colored clothing to increase visibility.
• Costumes:
  • Ensure costumes are the right size to prevent tripping.
  • Avoid masks that block vision; opt for face paint or makeup instead.
  • Choose flame-resistant materials and keep capes or other accessories short and flexible.
  • Make sure any makeup is non-toxic and test it in a small area of skin first.
  • Layer under your costume, as it usually gets cold on Halloween, especially after the sun goes down! 
• Behavior:
  • Always walk, not run, and stick to sidewalks.
  • Stay in a group and have a buddy with you at all times.
  • Walk only on well-lit streets within your neighborhood.
  • Cross the street at corners or crosswalks after looking both ways.
  • Stay on the stoop or porch and do not go into anyone's house or car.
• Candy:
  • Wait to eat candy until an adult has inspected it at home.
  • Discard any unwrapped or homemade treats.
  • Only eat factory-wrapped candies. 

For homeowners

• Lighting:
  • Keep your house and walkway well-lit to help trick-or-treaters see their way.
• Yard:
  • Remove any tripping hazards like garden hoses, rakes, or decorations from your lawn, steps, and walkways.
• Candles:
  • Avoid using real candles, especially in jack-o'-lanterns. Use battery-operated or LED candles instead to prevent fires.
• Pets:
  • Keep family pets in a separate room or kenneled to prevent them from startling or biting trick-or-treaters. 

We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday! Remember these safety tips, enjoy a fang-tasic night, and most importantly, enjoy the candy!