Halloween is a night many a child is looking forward to. The chance to put on a costume, grab a flashlight, and spook up some tricks and treats! However, it’s important to remember, no matter how fun the night the matter of safety should be taken into consideration. Proper visibility, costumes which keep the child safe, checking treats and keeping a watch out for vehicle and fire related cautions. All important and with the steps listed below, you too can have a fun and safe Halloween. ON YOUR CHILD’S COSTUME — Visibility is key. Make sure your child’s costume is adorned with reflective tape. The more visible your child is the safer he or she will be when crossing streets and they will be able to be seen by oncoming drivers. If your child is wearing a mask make sure it allows for their vision to be unimpaired. If you find the mask impairs their vision– either directly or peripherally– have them take it off when crossing the street and only put it on when approaching a house for Trick or Treating. Likewise, if possible, avoid colored contacts as they have been known to impair vision and do potential damage to the eye. Be they a ghost, a caped crusader or a vampiric count, you have to make sure that your child’s costume is easy to walk in. Trim the bottom of it if necessary to make sure your child can walk freely and not trip and fall while walking through the neighborhood. Watch out for capes or any other edges which could fall underfoot. Avoid having sharp weapon as a part of your costume’s accessories. Whether you’re a pirate, a musketeer or any other number of fun characters, make sure that your child is not trick or treating with sharp objects. Aside from simply being dangerous, they could trip and fall and hurt themselves upon them. TRICK OR TREATING — Make sure to accompany your child during their Trick or Treating journey, especially if they are under a certain age. Approach only homes ready to welcome Trick or Treaters. Usually they can be marked by bright lights welcoming children or decorations on the front lawn.

Carry a flashlight with you to help you get around better during your evening. That, along with a mask offering full visibility, will help you safely see where you are going during the evening. Likewise, try to walk rather than run to avoid falling, especially as the traffic increases. Careful movement and precaution will keep your trick or treat route worry free. Do not let your child enter into a stranger’s home on Halloween. This is incredibly key. During your child’s trick or treat route you will be approaching many neighbors’ homes whom you may not know. If they invite your child in make sure your child refuses, regardless of what they tell them. Make sure your child knows this safety rule inside and out before going Trick or Treating. Try to avoid non factory sealed treats. You can know for sure that a treat has not be tampered with if it is not homemade and in its original packaging. Keep to sidewalks and do not walk in the middle of the street. Keeping your child away from the path of cars is vital as the traffic from parties increases throughout the evening. IF YOU ARE GIVING CANDY THIS HALLOWEEN– Avoid fire hazards: Be careful where you place Jack-o-Lanterns or any candles on the premises, as it is possible for a child’s costume to catch fire placing the child in danger. Keep indoor Jack-o-Lantenrs away from curtains or other flammable materials. Keep Your Lawn Hazard Free: Make sure the path from the sidewalk to your front door is obstruction free so children do not trip and fall while approaching. Follow these tips and your child will have a safe Halloween that they are sure to remember.