Halloween Safety Tips

Costume Suggestions:

• Choose light or bright colored costumes and use light-reflective tape.
• Children shouldn't wear a mask; it restricts vision. If a mask must be worn, cut large eye holes. Make-up or face paint is much safer because it won't obstruct vision.
• Toy weapons, wands, brooms, swords, etc. should be made of cardboard; it's safer than plastic, wood or metal. 
• Put your child's name, address and phone number on the INSIDE of their costume in case of an accident or lost child.
• Children should wear comfortable shoes. Poor fitting shoes may cause a fall.
• Trick of Treat bags should not be too large. They can obscure vision or cause a child to trip.
• Make sure wigs and costumes are fire proof.

Trick or Treat Safety:

• Eat a full meal prior to going out so your child won't be tempted to eat treats before they can be properly checked. Tell your children not to eat anything until you've checked it.
• Plan your child's route and visit only homes in your neighborhood that are well lit.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Travel in a group or with an adult. Never enter a home.
• Cross streets at corners, never from between two vehicles.
• When crossing a street, STOP, LOOK and LISTEN. Look both ways before crossing.
• Walk on the sidewalk or facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
• Watch for cars driving into or backing out of driveways.

Treats - Give them a Safety Check:

• Check for holes or loose wrappers. Pour powdered candy into a container and look for lumps or discoloration.
• Don't eat opened candy, fruit, etc. unless you know the person it came from.
• Wash fruit, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Soft candy should also be cut up onto pieces before eating.
• Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you are absolutely sure they came from a safe source.
• Some hospitals will x-ray treat bag contents. Check with your local hospital for additional information.

 Tricks - Tell your children:

• Remember, Halloween is a good time for dangerous strangers, so be careful.
• Don't play pranks. Damaging other people's property is a crime.
• If your child is a victim of a crime (stolen candy, intimidation, threats, etc.) either talk to the suspect's parents or call the police if you wish to prosecute.

Safety Around the Home:

• Do not light candles around the walkways. If you would like luminaries or to light a jack-o-lantern, use a battery operated light source.
• Keep walkways unobstructed and well lit.
• Don't let anyone you don't know into your home.

Safe Alternatives:

• Local shopping malls will sometimes have Trick or Treat nights.
• Local churches sponsor Trunk or Treats.
• Attend community-sponsored events.
• Host a family party.
• Join your neighbors for a themed block party.