• Parenting OC Events
  • Calendar
  • Business Directory
    • After-School Activities
    • Attractions & Events
    • Baby & Maternity
    • Beauty, Health & Fitness
    • Camps & Activities
    • Education & Special Needs
    • Health & Wellness
    • Holiday Planner
    • House & Home
    • Montessori
    • Parties & Party Resources
    • Pre-K to 12 Education
    • Professional Services
    • Private Schools
    • Swim & Water Safety
    • Travel & Field Trips
  • Education
  • Ask Experts
  • Family Wellness
  • School News

Parenting OC

  • Get an Issue
    • Latest Issue
    • Distribution outlets
  • About us
    • About the magazine
    • Contact us
    • The Press Room
  • Advertise
  • Archives
    • Issue archive (digital)
    • Search old web site (text)
  • Contests
  • OC Woman
  • Follow us on Twitter
You are here: Home / Ask the Experts / Keeping Safe on Halloween

Keeping Safe on Halloween

October 5, 2018 Leave a Comment

boy scout uniform

Q: [All Ages] What tips do you offer for parents and kids for keeping safe during Halloween trick or treating and other related activities?

A: Whether they’re going as a princess or a goblin, make sure they’re prepared like a Scout.

The Boy Scouts of America recommends that kids bring what we call the “Cub Scout Six Essentials” on every hike. And what’s Halloween if not the most glorious candy-filled hike of the year? Take these six items on the trail with you and you’ll be set for a successful Halloween.

  1. First aid kit — While you won’t need to pack the jumbo first aid kit you keep in your car, you will want to bring along a few small bandages and some antibiotic ointment. These tools can be the difference between a scrape that ends the night and one that makes a good story the next day.
  2. Filled water bottle — Fill a reusable water bottle so you and your kids don’t get parched and tire out before you hit the house with the king-size candy bars.
  3. Flashlight or headlamp — A flashlight is only as good as its batteries so make sure you have fresh ones in before heading out the door.
  4. Whistle — This can be a critical safety tool, or the reason your neighbors decide to trick-or-treat without you next year. Explain to your child that the whistle should only be used if they feel that they’re in danger or if they get separated from the group.
  5. Trail food — While the treats will be plentiful, they won’t provide the kind of sustaining energy needed for a successful Halloween hike. Pack some trail mix or another travel-friendly food that has some nutritional value. This will keep your child from filling up solely on sugar and will provide the kind of healthy boost they’ll need for the evening.
  6. Sun protection — Put on SPF 30 or higher if you’ll be out during the day.

Pack these six essential items into a small backpack or fanny pack, stick on a reflective strip or two for added safety, and lace up a pair of supportive walking shoes. (Yes, that even includes those going as Dorothy).


Jeff HerrmannJeff Herrmann is the Scout Executive/CEO in the Boy Scouts of America Orange County Council.

Filed Under: Ask the Experts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Parenting OC February 2019 Cover - Web
Read our February 2019 Digital Issue!

Socialize with Parenting OC

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Search Parenting OC

Browse by category

Upcoming Events

Jan
26
Sat
2019
all-day Art Lessons In The Wild
Art Lessons In The Wild
Jan 26 – Feb 21 all-day
Dana Wharf Whaling Watching and the Wyland Foundation have partnered for this art and outdoors experience. Kids (ages 3-12) can take an hour-long art lesson (via video feed) from the famous artist Wyland and go[...]
Feb
1
Fri
2019
all-day “Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic W...
“Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic W...
Feb 1 – Feb 28 all-day
This exhibit recalls an old-school sideshow, except it’s all about insects. Visitors can view a wild array of creepy creeping creatures and other bizarre bugs. The show also examines some of the facts, myths and[...]
all-day “If I Lived In Castle” Exhibit
“If I Lived In Castle” Exhibit
Feb 1 – Feb 28 all-day
Kids can venture into a Medieval Castle and learn about life 1000 years ago. They can explore the Castle’s garden, kitchen and forge. Pretend to be a knight or act like royalty by trying on[...]
Feb
2
Sat
2019
all-day Art Lessons In The Wild
Art Lessons In The Wild
Feb 2 – Feb 28 all-day
Dana Wharf Whaling Watching and the Wyland Foundation have partnered for this art and outdoors experience. Kids (ages 3-12) can take an hour-long art lesson (via video feed) from the famous artist Wyland and go[...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML
Newsletter Sign Up Button Stay up to date on current events, hot topics, contests and giveaways by signing up for Parenting OC's bimonthly newsletter.
Feedburner Sign Up Button2 Subscribe to Parenting OC email service.


Parenting OC Tweets

  • It's that time of the year again! Our annual Summer Opportunities Jamboree is almost here and it is being hosted fo… https://t.co/Sjc1DyhFBN Yesterday at 5:58 pm
  • On Feb. 12, @LearningRx Costa Mesa-Irvine held its first OC Cognitive Reception at the Center Club Orange County wi… https://t.co/Uit73qcVOp February 16, 2019 4:55 am
  • Take a fitness-focused vacation with your sweetheart in this month of love. https://t.co/qkrhRE8lFa #fitgetaways… https://t.co/7N235y584A February 15, 2019 2:30 am
  • Follow Parenting OC on Twitter!

Recent Articles

  • Talking to Teens
  • Saving the Monarch Butterfly

Copyright © 2019 Tierney Publishing Inc. · Privacy policy · Web site: Internet Forestry · Contact · Advertising info