Halloween Safety Tips

Trick or Treat! Halloween Apples! Check out these great trick or treating tips to keep your Halloween safe!

COSTUMES:

-Make sure to choose costumes that fit correctly so your little ones won't trip and fall. Long dresses or capes that drag on the floor may be cute, but not if your child ends up falling down. If using a mask, take care to check and see that your child can see and breathe properly. Face painting is a great alternative if you can't find a mask that fits well — just be sure to use washable, non-toxic paint or makeup that is safe for skin.

-Make sure your children's costumes has reflective tape to make their costumes visible in the dark. Also carry flashlights or glow sticks for more visibility to passing cars.


-Choose Halloween costumes that are labeled "flame-resistant" in case of accidental contact with an open flame.

-Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly

-Only carry flexible props that wont hurt a child if they were to fall or accidentally hit another person with it

Safe trick-or-treating

- Make sure that a responsible adult accompanies your children when they are out trick-or-treating.

-Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time so that you can check out the neighborhoods to make sure they are safe and well-lit. Only visit homes of people you know or homes with a porch light.

-If you are letting older tween or teens trick-or-treat in a group, make sure they are accompanied by an older, responsible teenager that you know and trust. Discuss the route they will follow ahead of time and set a curfew.

- Trick or treaters should walk, not run, and should never cut across lawns or driveways. Obstacles could exist that aren't readily visible in the evening.

-Make sure to remind your children not to go inside the homes or cars of anyone they meet. Talk about how they always need to stay together as a group.

-Never allow children to eat candy before it is inspected. Any opened candy should be thrown away, and unless you personally the families who make homemade goodies, it is recommended that you dispose of homemade treats. Immediately toss any items that are suspect in any way, and get rid of (either through donation or throwing away) any treats that your kid doesn't like. Some parents also put away some candy and save for later or set rules allowing kids to eat all they want for a designated period, then dispose of the rest.

Halloween alternatives

Trick-or-treating in your neighborhood isn't the only fun Halloween activity! Check your local paper for other safe and exciting Halloween alternatives in your community.

-Spook yourself silly by having a Halloween party in your own home. Carve pumpkins, have costume contests, serve creepy treats and play frighteningly fun Halloween games.

-Go trick-or-treating at the mall, zoo, museum or other safe location. Many businesses go all out throwing exciting Halloween events for families. Check their websites and discover all the spooky fun available in your city this Halloween.