From zombies and vampires to Wonder Women, Barbies, and Kens, Canyons District students are looking forward to Halloween. With that excitement, however, comes a word of caution as in the past three years there have been 3,200 Halloween-related injuries across the country.
But fear not. In the latest episode of the Connect Canyons podcast, Sandy Police Officer Max Zackrison, one of CSD’s School Resource Officers, offers field-tested tips for ensuring your little ghouls and goblins don’t get hurt while running amuck, amuck, amuck.
Canyons students will have many opportunities to don their costumes for school parades, carnivals, and trunk-or-treats before the big spooky night of festivities. Spending all day as a blowup dinosaur or in a bulky costume that makes it hard to sit in class can sometimes cut into the fun and frolic, but it’s nothing that can’t be remedied with a costume change, said Zackrison. “It’s not a bad idea to have something for the school day, the parades, and then maybe something you’ll go out in on Halloween night.”
Masks and facsimiles of weapons are a no-go at school. “Masks look cool but if we’re being honest, they’re never fun to wear,” Zackrison said. “They can block visibility, so if you can do face paint or some type of hat, that’s always good.”
Zackrison recommends carrying your mask with you trick-or-treating and only putting it on when you approach the door to a home.
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year — and it’s up to drivers and trick-or-treaters to be vigilant and visible. Zackrison recommends incorporating reflective pieces, glow sticks, or even light up accessories like light sabers. “All the Jedi will be seen,” he says, “just something to brighten you up a little bit can be helpful, even using your trick-or-treat bag or your bucket.”
Trick-or-treaters are cautioned to stick to well-lit areas, keep with groups, and in general — slow down. It can be wise to visit houses on one side of the street before making your way to a well-lit corner or crosswalk to get to the other side.
Zackrison also encourages drivers to go slow, be free of distractions, and turn on their headlights early. “Movement and light are things the eyes are attracted to. So, you’re going to be more visible when you have your headlights on, even if it seems early,” he says.
Many parents debate how old is too old to go trick-or-treating. Zackrison says that decision is up to the parent because it can vary depending on each child. “I probably stopped around 16 or so,” he says. “As long as you’re doing it for the right reasons, you’re not out there causing problems, then I don’t see an issue with it.”
Being courteous as you’re visiting homes is also a key element. Zackrison says to pay attention to the houses. If the lights are off and there are no decorations, no porch lights, skip that house and go to the next one. Saying “thank you” can also go a long way.
When it comes to diving into those tasty treats, Zackrison suggests waiting until you get home where you can see properly.
“I think largely the candy tampering is a little bit of an urban legend,” says Zackrison. “That being said, sometimes you reach into the basket and maybe you don’t see what you’re grabbing. Especially with allergies and things like that, you want to know what it is so waiting to get home is probably ideal.”
It’s also smart to keep an eye on your candy stash and make sure toddlers and pets aren’t grabbing things that could be dangerous for them. We’ve all reached for that Butterfinger and pulled out an Almond Joy instead. Zackrison says his favorite Halloween candy is Reese’s but says moderation is key.
“My candy lasted a while as a kid, which was the best part. I could have candy for the next couple of weeks but that obviously comes with not overdoing it that night and getting sick and eating all my candy,” he says.
Storing candy in a common area can also help parents monitor how much their children are eating. Bottom line: There are a number of ways to enjoy Halloween, regardless of how you choose to spend it, Zackrison has the same advice for everyone.
“Pay attention,” Zackrison says, “everyone is excited, but with that excitement we kind of forget some of the basics. So just slow down. You will make it to all the houses. You will get all the candy you can dream of. Just slow down and pay extra attention.”
