Before we know it, Halloween will be upon us. Here are some tips to help you ensure a happy yet safe Halloween.
For Children:
– Don’t trick or treat without parents.
– Cross streets only at corners.
– Never cross the street between parked cars.
– Carry a flashlight or glow stick and/or wear reflective tape.
– Be aware of motor vehicles that may be turning into or backing out of driveways.
– Never go into a stranger’s house.
For Parents:
– Walk with your children or make sure children are accompanied by a trusted adult.
– Make sure trick-or-treaters will be safe when visiting your home. Remove lawn decorations and sprinklers, toys and bicycles or anything that might obstruct your walkway. Provide a well-lit outside entrance to your home. Keep family pets away from trick-or-treaters.
– Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism.
– Instruct children NOT to eat treats until they return home and parents have had a chance to inspect those treats.
– Don’t leave candles unattended, try votive candles in your jack o lanterns.
Costume Safety Tips:
– Costumes, masks, beards and wigs should be flame resistant.
– Costumes should be light, bright and clearly visible to motorists; adding reflective tape can help make your child more visible to motorists.
– Make-up is safer than a mask, which can obscure vision. Test the make-up to make sure your child doesn’t have an allergic reaction.
– Avoid over-sized costumes and high-heeled shoes that can cause a child to trip.
– Children should carry a flashlight to easily see and be seen.
– Trick-or-treat bags should not be too large; they can obscure vision or cause a child to trip.
Halloween Hazards:
• Sharp or pointed toy weapons.
• Open flames.
• Dangerous roadways.
• Treacherous “treats” – examine all treats for signs of tampering and choking hazards. Children should not eat homemade treats made by strangers.
• Do not allow children to carve pumpkins alone (special pumpkin cutters for kids are available at your local grocery or Halloween store).
** Consider attending a carnival or festival offered by many schools and faith communities in your area.
Wish you all have a great Halloween!! 
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Halloween decorations, the big day is only a week away! I remember the excitement when my kids were young. We would visit a very sincere pumpkin patch, and the kids would pick out a pumpkin. A day or two ahead of time their dad would carve the pumpkin and we were all set! On the big day, there were always activities at school, but at night they were ready to trick or treat! It w as fun to see the kids excitement as we went around the neighborhood and they would fill up their sacks with goodies. And when we were done, watching them go through the goodies, and checking to make sure they were okay, was quite an event!
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