5 Things for Mom’s Purse on Halloween

Halloween may be scary, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. Parents should educate themselves about potential dangers and take the necessary precautions to keep children safe. For instance, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year. In addition, falls and burns also are a common cause of injuries among children.

It’s important to keep a close watch on your children on Oct. 31 (or whatever date your neighborhood schedules as trick-or-treat night), and not let them wander around alone. Moms also should equip themselves by stocking their purse with a few essentials to ensure a fun and safe night for all.

Here’s a look at what every mom should pack in her purse on Halloween:
1. Cell phone. Be sure it’s fully charged and programmed with emergency contact numbers, including those of the parent of any child accompanying your child.

2. Reflective tape. Buy it at hardware or sporting goods stores and decorate costumes and treat sacks with it to increase visibility of children.

3. Flashlights and/or glow sticks. Pass them out to help children and parents easily see and be seen. Remember, don’t let children younger than 12 go out alone or cross the street without the supervision of an adult. And accompany younger children to the door of every home they visit.

4. Bandages and antiseptic wipes. Every prepared mom always needs these, even beyond Halloween, to take care of cuts and bruises if a child falls. Be sure to cover wounds to prevent contact with germs and possible infection.

5. Bottled water and healthy snacks. Take along nuts, raisins, or Cheerios and something to drink to keep them happy and hydrated. You don’t want children munching on Halloween candy before there is a chance for you to inspect the wrappers.