Halloween Safety Starts at Home

There's nothing spooky about Halloween safety. Use these common-sense safety tips to protect your ghosts and goblins.

Costumes: From princesses to superheroes, choosing costumes is an important part of Halloween safety. Whether you buy a costume or make one, choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials. If trick-or-treating outdoors after dark, attach reflective tape to a child’s costume. In case it's chilly, make sure the costume is loose enough for warm clothing to be worn underneath — but not long enough to cause tripping. Avoid oversized shoes and high heels. A mask can obstruct a child's vision, especially if it slips out of place. Use kid-friendly makeup instead. Pointed props — such as wands, swords and knives — may pose safety hazards.
Trick or Treat: The promise of Halloween candy may leave stars in your child's eyes, but Halloween safety still rules.

• Get in on the fun. Accompany trick-or-treaters younger than age 12. Pin a piece of paper with your child's name, address and phone number inside their pocket in case you get separated. Encourage older kids to trick-or-treat with a group of friends, parents or older siblings. Make sure someone in the group carries a flashlight with fresh batteries. Consider planning a trick-or-treat party with a couple of neighbors instead of house-to-house door knocking. Decorate the garages, have a costume contest with games and prizes. This can be safer and healthier, and it allows your child to interact with more children.
• Stay close to home. Don't allow your child to go door to door in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Establish a route and set a curfew. Review safety rules, including staying with the group, walking only on the sidewalk, approaching only clearly lit homes and never going inside a home. You may want to give your child a cell phone should they need to contact you.
• Inspect the treats carefully. Don't let your child snack while trick-or-treating. Inspect the treats first — and discard anything that's not sealed, has torn packaging or looks questionable. If you have young children, weed out gum, peanuts, hard candies and other choking hazards.. If your child collects gobs of goodies, dole out a few pieces at a time and save the rest.

A sweet and safe home front: When handing out treats, put away anything they could trip over. Clear wet leaves from sidewalks. Replace any burned-out bulbs at your door and walkway. Take no chances that your pet might be frightened and chase or bite a child at your door. Instead of handing out sugar-laden treats, try stickers, glittery pencils, or colored chalk.
When driving on Halloween, watch for children who might pop out between parked cars. Be especially careful entering or leaving driveways. Extra caution can help ensure safety and fun for everyone!