Halloween is here and children and adults alike are anxious to have a “normal” Halloween…put on a costume, get candy from neighbors, attend a party dressed like a vampire, or even just hand out goodies from your front door.But alas, this is 2020, and nothing has been “normal” this year.People are re-thinking their usual ghoulish good times, so when you’re planning your day of trick-or-treating fun, keep these new “normal” safety tips in mind.

First, check your local government for trick-or-treating and/or party guidelines/restrictions. Many cities/states have limited the number of guests you are allowed to have at an indoor gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so be sure that you are aware of any restrictions in your area and abide by them.Trick-or-treating may also have been called off as a result of the pandemic, so please do your research before taking to the streets.Speaking about streets, always stick to sidewalks and well lit areas.Use reflective tape on all costumes to allow drivers to easily see you while you’re out and about.

It’s dark out there, and it’s always best to be off the roads and well visible.If you plan on being a treat giver, try to avoid direct contact with the Trick-or-treaters.Try to stay outdoors whenever possible instead of standing at your open door.Set up a station with individually bagged treats for the kids to take on their own.Avoiding high touch areas such as doorbells will be difficult, so it’s important to stay on top of cleaning your hands.

 Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use it often.Always remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before enjoying your treats.Never eat unwrapped or opened candy.Wear a mask.

A costume mask is not a substation for a cloth or disposable mask.So instead of being Iron Man this year, the kids should choose something that does not require a costume mask as it is not recommended to wear both.Remember, everyone can be a hero this Halloween by adding a PPE mask to their costume.

Besides, if you want to dress us as a true hero this year, we may just have lots of doctors and nurses out there.Practice safe social distancing.While it is safer to travel in groups on Halloween night, it is important to remember that if you’re trick-or-treating with friends or family who are not a part of your household, try to maintain a 6-foot distance from them at all times.Have fun but remember that while following these guidelines will keep you safer, trick-or-treating is still considered a high risk activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.Many may opt to not take part in the usual Halloween festivities this year, so here are some other Halloween activities you can plan as a safer alternative.Decorate/carve pumpkins –  this fun and festive activity can be done indoors with your family or outdoors with friends and neighbors with masks and proper social distancing protocols.Take a walk through the neighborhood dressed up to enjoy the atmosphere and the decorations, then go home and enjoy your own pre-bought candy (You are certain to get all your favorites this way).Visit a pumpkin patch or corn maze.

These outdoor activities are fun for children of all ages and are conducive to social distancing.Host an outdoor Halloween movie night with friends or neighbors, or an indoor movie night with your household.Hide some Halloween treats around your home/yard and have a scavenger hunt with your family.For more useful tips , please visit http://halloween-website.com/safety.htm; and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html Whatever you decide to do this Halloween, We hope it’s safe, healthy, and spooktacular! The information above and in Central Insurance blog posts are of a general nature and your policy and coverages provided may differ from the examples provided.Please read your policy in its entirety to determine your actual coverage available.Share this:FacebookTwitterLinkedInMoreEmailPrintLike this: