Halloween is a great holiday for kids to trick-or-treat and have a lot of fun going door to door. However, because we live in the age of COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns, this year’s Halloween presents some unique obstacles to keep your children safe.

 

As a company dedicated to the security of your children, Nightlock understands the challenges parents face this upcoming Halloween in 2021. The CDC has released a number of Halloween guidelines to follow to keep your kids healthy and safe, so let’s explore these and other common-sense recommendations.

Use Social Distancing

Halloween is a fairly social holiday, with children going door to door in new environments. To make trick-or-treating safer, parents should ensure that their children use social distancing of 6 feet or more.

Avoid direct contact with fellow trick-or-treaters, waiting a safe distance to knock on doors to avoid contamination.

 

For homeowners, give out treats outdoors, if possible. Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take and even offer a separate station for hand sanitizing.

Wear a Mask

It may seem obvious, but wearing a mask is still a priority. Many costumes can be fitted with a cloth mask  to avoid exposing others to COVID-19, or simply add a mask to whatever costume your children choose.

 

That being said, a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Placing a mask underneath a costume mask can create difficulties for children who are susceptible breathing issues and may lead to suffocation. Also, it’s import to note that masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone that may have trouble breathing under normal conditions.

Wash Hands Frequently

Due to the increased exposure of knocking on unfamiliar doors and touching new surfaces, parents should encourage their children to wash their hands frequently. Bring hand sanitizer to immediately disinfect your children’s hands and avoid exposing not only your children, but vulnerable members of your community. The CDC recommends hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol as well as frequent hand washing after being outside.

Choose Outdoor Activities

2021 is a still unique year, so it may be the best course of action to choose outdoor activities that don’t involve trick-or-treating.

 

Plenty of orchards offer safe and regulated activities, such as a scavenger hunt, corn maze, and haunted houses – many of which offer one-way guided tours that are frequently cleaned and closely monitored. Also, look for outdoor movie showings that are great, scary fun for the whole family.

 

And because everyone loves to decorate their home for the holiday, plan a trip to see homes in your neighborhood by car. Bring treats in the car to make it a fun, memorable experience that is safer than going door to door.

Limits Indoor Gatherings to Family

Halloween can be great fun indoors. Try hiding treats throughout your home with your entire immediate family joining in the fun. Movie nights can be a great way to spend the night indoors. Or, if your home is large enough, host an indoor costume parade to show off your children’s scary costumes.

 

Pumpkin carving is a favorite, too. Decorate and carve pumpkin with members of your household or outside with neighbors or friends that take similar safety precautions as your family.

Keep Your Home Safe

Understand that Halloween means more visitors to your home, but also provides the perfect opportunity for criminals to visit your home when you’re escorting your children from home to home. Nightlock’s line of innovative door barricade devices can be deployed to keep your home safe when you’re not around or prevent home invasions that can put your family in danger.

 

* * *

Now that you’re aware of what safety recommendations to follow for Halloween 2021, your children can avoid getting or spreading COVID-19 while enjoying this fun holiday. Practicing safety measures ensures that the scariest thing this won’t be a COVID-19 outbreak, but those great costumes!