Fright Night Safety Tips: Play it Safe on Halloween

Halloween is fun for all ages - but it can also present problems if you're not properly prepared. Follow these guidelines to help ensure everyone has a frightfully fun time this Halloween!

People of all ages look forward to Halloween, and if you check your calendar, you'll see it's right around the corner! But whether you're a trick-or-treater, parent or homeowner, there are some safety tips you should know in order to make sure everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.

Trick-or-Treaters:

• Walk. Running can be dangerous.



• Stay on sidewalks.



• Carry a flashlight.



• Stay in neighborhoods you know.



• Only approach houses that have a porch light on.



• If you're wearing a mask, make sure you can properly see out of it.



• Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground.



• Don't eat candy until parents have checked it.



• Stay away from animals you don't know.

Parents:

• Accompany your young children.


• If older children will be unaccompanied, make sure you know where they will be, who they will be with and what time they will be home.



• If you purchase costumes for your children, make sure they fit properly and are flame retardant.



• Tell your children to bring the candy home so you can inspect before they eat any of it.



• Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.

Homeowners:

• Make sure your yard and walkways are clear of any objects that young trick-or-treaters may trip over.



• If you have pets, it may be a good idea to keep them briefly confined to one area, so they don't get frightened or injured. Pets get frightened on Halloween.



• Try to use battery powered jack-o'-lantern candles rather than real candles to reduce the chances of fire.



• If you do use candles, place the pumpkins well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing. Make sure any yard decorations won't be blown into the candle's flame.



• Do not hand out homemade treats. If you wish to give healthy food alternatives, try packages of crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of microwave popcorn.



• Non-food treats are also welcome. Plastic spider or skull rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, and even special Halloween straws are fun treats.

Halloween can be fun for all ages, and by following these simple safety tips, you can make sure it's also a safe occasion for one and all.