From candy to costumes Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in our country. Soon throngs of super heroes, television, and cartoon characters will descend upon our neighborhoods in search of trick and treat goodies.

As responsible parents and homeowners we need to take basic precautions to help keep everyone safe and happy this Halloween.

Halloween tips for parents

To help keep children safe while still enjoying the festivities, the American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org) has these tips parents can follow.

1. Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.

• Use face makeup instead of masks which make seeing difficult;
• Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way;
• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags; and
• Have everyone wear light-colored clothing

2. Use flame-resistant costumes.

3. Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.

4. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

5. Walk, don’t run.

6. Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

7. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.

• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
• Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.

8. A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.

• Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
• Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

Halloween tips for homeowners

• Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
• Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater.
• Glow sticks, light sticks or battery powered jack-o-lantern lights and candles are preferable to real flame candles.
• If you do use candles, place the jack-o-lantern well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing. NEVER leave any flaming candle unattended.
• Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home or consider giving out non-food treats such as pencils, stickers, etc.

Bottom Line: In the spirit of having a safe and happy Halloween, as homeowners and parents we need to take basic precautions before heading outside.

Related Links:
59 Cute and Funny Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Halloween
The Halloween Tree, by Ray Bradbury
80 Cheap DIY Halloween Decorations for the Spookiest Holiday Ever

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