Halloween tips for kids and adults to make the evening fun and safe

Halloween safety tips

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary, as long as parents and kids know how to stay safe.

Here are some tips for trick-or-treating or having a party:

At home

“ Eat dinner before trick-or-treating to avoid temptation to eat the candy while collecting it.

“ Wait until you get home so your parents can check the candy before you eat it.

“ Save only factory-wrapped treats. Throw anything away that is not wrapped, including fruit, homemade candy or baked goods.

“ Never eat candy that has an open or ripped wrapper.

While you’re out

“ Wear costumes that are easy to walk in, see in and be seen in.

“ Add reflective tape to be better seen in the dark.

“ Use makeup instead of a mask so you can see well.

“ Choose comfortable shoes for walking.

“ Make sure swords, knives and other costume accessories are made of soft, flexible material.

“ Wear a flame-retardant costume.

“ Don’t play near lit jack-o’-lanterns.

“ Trick-or-treat in early evening hours.

“ Pick well-lighted streets.

“ Walk on sidewalks, driveways or facing oncoming traffic in areas without sidewalks. Don’t cut across lawns.

“ Cross streets at corners or in a crosswalk.

“ Carry a flashlight.

“ Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood and visit the homes of people you know.

“ Never trick-or-treat alone. Have at least two buddies go with you if you’re a preteen. An adult should supervise younger children.

“ Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is.

“ Take a cellular phone if possible.

“ Visit houses only where the lights are on.

“ Be very cautious of strangers.

“ Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.

For adults

“ Pin a slip of paper with your young child’s name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case he or she is separated from the group.

“ Look out for choking hazards for small children. Remove gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys from the treat bag before you allow your youngster to have the treats.

“ Save homemade treats for parties. For safety, give factory-wrapped candy to trick-or-treaters.

“ Know your teen’s Halloween plans or offer to supervise a party at your house. While pranks have become a part of the holiday, emphasize that some can damage property or hurt people.

“ Drive slowly through neighborhoods when you’re out and be wary of children in the streets.

“ Clear your yard of hazards. Light the area well.

“ Keep pets in a separate room, not in the back yard, so they won’t be frightened by strangers in costume at the front door.

Gannett News Service