Halloween Tips for Trick or Treaters & Parents!

Dressing Up:

Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Also, look for flame resistant labels!
Add some reflective tape to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
Masks can limit your eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or long.
Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

Remove anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their routes.
Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries!
If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind trick-or-treaters:
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
Notify the police immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.