General safety tips for trick-or-treating in community schemes

Although not traditionally South African, celebrating Halloween has become an end-of-October thing, especially in gated communities and other community schemes. These activities, with excited children running around the neighbourhood in the dark, do come with some risks which can, to a large degree, be managed.

Here are a few tips:

Stick to well-lit areas

Ensure children and trick-or-treaters stay within well-lit areas and common spaces in the complex. It’s a good idea to carry torches or glow sticks to improve visibility.

Check costumes for safety

Make sure costumes are comfortable, not too long (to avoid tripping), and flame-resistant. Masks should not block vision, so consider using face paint for younger kids.

Accompany young children

Parents or responsible adults should always accompany younger children while trick-or-treating. Encourage older children to go out in groups and stick together.

Mind the traffic

Remind children to be cautious of moving vehicles, even in gated complexes and parking areas. Drivers should take extra care when entering or exiting the estate during Halloween activities.

Safety with sweets

Encourage residents to hand out individually wrapped treats. Parents should inspect all the treats before letting children enjoy them, to ensure they are safe to eat.

Secure decorations

If you’re decorating your home or exclusive use area, ensure all decorations are secure to prevent accidents. Electrical cords and inflatables should be placed away from common walkways to avoid tripping hazards.

Pet safety

Remind pet owners to keep their pets indoors or in a safe area. Pets can become stressed by the extra activity, and there’s always a risk they could run out when doors open frequently for trick-or-treaters.

Hygiene precautions

Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased, it’s still good practice to encourage hygiene. Consider placing hand sanitisers at sweet stations or arranging treats on trays for contactless pick-up.

Set a curfew

Establish a reasonable curfew for trick-or-treating to maintain safety and comfort for everyone in the community. Set a clear start and end time for the activity.

Respect your neighbours

Encourage everyone to be respectful of neighbours who might not participate in Halloween. If the lights are off or doors remain closed, remind children to skip those homes.