| There are accidents and incidents every Halloween | | | | 6. Pets. Pets should be secured in a back part of the |
| that can spoil the holiday. Pedestrian accidents, | | | | house. All the excitement and noise can upset them. |
| tampered products causing illness or lacerations, falls, | | | | You do not want them getting loose, or worse - biting |
| fires, etc. Here are my Top 10 Tips to keep your family | | | | a child. |
| safe this Halloween. | | | | 7. Safety outside. Warn your kids about running across |
| | | | the street. Night comes earlier this time of year and |
| 1. Costumes. Make sure the costumes you buy are | | | | motorists may have trouble seeing the little ones if |
| flame retardant. They should fit well and not be too | | | | they dart out. There are pedestrian accidents every |
| long so kids can walk without tripping. Watch out for | | | | year during Halloween. Use extra caution if you are |
| dangling strings, fringes, scarves, etc. When choosing a | | | | driving. |
| costume, pick ones that will be comfortable for hours | | | | 8. Safe Trick or Treating. An adult must always go |
| of wear, and will keep the child warm enough for chilly | | | | with small children. Teach your child to only go to |
| nights trick or treating. Avoid costumes and | | | | homes where the lights are on. They should never |
| accessories that are sharp or pointy. | | | | enter inside a home. They should never go off with |
| 2. Be visible. Costume that are reflective or bright are | | | | anyone promising sweets or enter a car for treats. |
| best so kids are visible by car drivers. If the costume is | | | | 9. Safety in Numbers. Older kids will probably want to |
| dark, consider adding some reflective tape to the | | | | go without parents, but lay down some rules first. |
| costume, treat bag, shoes, etc. Reflective tape and a | | | | Make kids stay together. Plan the route they will take, |
| flashlight can make your child more visible in the dark. | | | | so they can find each other if one person gets lost, |
| 3. Masks. Be wary of mask since they can obscure | | | | and you know where to go looking for them if you |
| vision. They are usually difficult to wear for any length | | | | need to. Remind them to remain on the streets: not to |
| of time. Opt for makeup and hats instead. | | | | cut across lawns or through alley ways. At least one |
| 4. Pumpkins. Do not let kids carve pumpkins | | | | child should carry a cell phone. |
| themselves. Let them draw faces or designs on the | | | | 10. Treat Safety. Once your kids get home, go through |
| pumpkins with markers and you do the carving. Instead | | | | their candy. Throw out any suspicious or unwrapped |
| of candles, use fairy lights, Christmas lights, or the | | | | items. Apples should be washed and cut up into pieces |
| orange lights now available at many stores. Just carve | | | | or used to make apple sauce. Limit the sweets |
| an extra hole in the back of the pumpkin so you can | | | | children eat. My recommendation is to give Halloween |
| bring the plug through. | | | | toys instead of candy. They are free of allergens and |
| 5. Your Home. Before the little ghouls and goblins start | | | | sugar; toys are fun; and leftovers can be saved for |
| arriving, make sure your home is ready. Clear off any | | | | next year. You can also get inexpensive Halloween |
| items on your lawn that kids could trip on in the dark. | | | | flashlights and reflective necklaces as treats. |
| Make sure your walkway is clear and lit. Check that | | | | A little preparation can ensure everyone has a happy, |
| your porch light works. | | | | and safe, Halloween. |