Halloween Safety Tips

Trick-or-Treaters:

• Carry a flashlight
• Walk, don't run 
• Stay on sidewalks whenever possible 
• Obey traffic signals 
• Stay in familiar, well-lit neighborhoods 
• Trick-or-treat in a group, it's more fun that way and a lot safer 
• Don't cut across yards or driveways 
• Wear a watch that you can read in the dark 
• Make sure costumes don't drag the ground 
• Shoes should fit (even if they don't go with your costume) 
• Avoid wearing masks, instead choose non-toxic face paint 
• Carry only flexible knives, swords, or other props 
• Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape 
• Approach only houses that are lit 
• Stay away from and don't pet animals that you don't know 
• Save all treats until Mom or Dad can check them

Parents:

• Make sure your child eats before setting out (this reduces the chance of snacking before you inspect the goodies)
• Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult 
• If your children go out on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one they can read in the dark
• If you buy a costume look for one made of flame retardant material 
• Choose a costume that is bright or light colored 
• Place reflective tape on all sides of the costume for safety 
• Securely and discreetly place your child's name, address and phone number inside their costume or on a bracelet
• Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home and you should know where they are going
• Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home for inspection before consuming anything
• Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect
• Consider alternatives to door-to-door visits. Some churches, communities, and malls will be offering safer alternatives 

Homeowners:

• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones
• Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater
• Battery powered jack o'lantern candles are preferable to a real flame
• If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing
• Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle
• Always check the peep-hole in the door before opening
• Sweep wet leaves and other debris from porch and sidewalks
• Check outdoor lights and replace burned out bulbs
• Never invite trick-or-treaters inside
• Be alert for vandals or thieves. Call the Sheriff's Department for help.
• Healthy alternatives for trick-or-treaters include single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of low-fat popcorn that can be microwaved later
• Non-food treats include plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, coins, etc.