Stay safe for tricks and treats this Halloween

Costumes, treats and scares are in store for Halloween this year, but here are a few simple tips to keep young ones safe during the festivities.

Costumes
• Wear costumes and footwear that fit properly to reduce tripping and the risk of injury.
• Dress for the weather. Wear layers and appropriate clothing, such as boots and jackets, to keep your child warm and dry in all weather conditions.
• Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags to keep your child visible in the dark.
• Choose flame-resistant costumes, beards and wigs.
• Choose face paint or makeup instead of a mask that can interfere with vision.
• Children wearing a mask or a head piece must ensure they can see clearly from the front and both sides, and that it doesn’t interfere with breathing.
• Never allow your child to carry a sharp or dangerous costume prop, such as a knife or sword.

Trick-or-treating
• Children should trick-or-treat in groups and should never trick-or-treat alone.
• Accompany your child until you feel comfortable they are old enough to go without adult supervision. Know where your children are trick-or-treating if they are old enough to go unaccompanied.
• Remind children to adhere to the same safe road rules when trick-or-treating as they do any other night. Remember these road safety tips:
o Always walk on the sidewalk.
o Only cross the street at crosswalks or street corners.
o Look left and right for oncoming traffic.
o Make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street.
• Teach your child to trick-or-treat in well-lit areas, and to only visit homes that have their outside lights turned on.
• When giving out treats, remember to leave your porch light on.
• Pack a flashlight in your child’s trick-or-treat bag.
• Remind your child never to go inside a stranger’s home or car.
• Check all the goodies before your child digs into their treat bag.
• Check ingredient lists on labels to avoid allergens.
• Throw out all candy that has a loose, broken or open wrapper.
• Throw out homemade candy or baked goods made by people you don't know.
• Wash all fruit and cut it into pieces to check before eating.

Limit sugar
• Chocolate and candy are high in sugar. The more times a day children eat it, the greater the risk of tooth decay.
• When eating chocolate or candy, do so after mealtime. The extra saliva produced at mealtimes helps provide some protection to teeth.
• Brush and floss with extra care and attention after eating chocolate or candy.

Pumpkin carving
• Make sure an adult oversees all pumpkin carving activities. Never leave your child unsupervised.
• Have an adult light any candles used inside of pumpkins or use battery-operated lights instead. Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Don’t allow children to play near pumpkins with candles burning.
• Keep lit pumpkins out of the way of trick-or-treaters and fire hazards, such as bushes or trees.
• Supervise pumpkins when lit, and make sure to put out any candles before turning in for the night.

Around the neighborhood
• If you must drive Halloween night, drive slowly, especially in residential areas. Be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters.
• Remove hazards in your yard, such as hoses and yard tools, and make sure you have a clear, well-lit walkway for trick-or-treaters.