Get ready for your doorbell to ring

Make it a safe Halloween for all trick-or-treaters

The trick is to keep kids safe on Halloween!

Power Rangers, princesses and some pretty scary monsters are only a few of the costumed characters you’ll probably see walking through your neighborhood on Halloween.  In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated 36 million children between the ages of 5 and 13 headed out for trick-or-treating fun around the country in 2007.  As many youngsters look forward to a night of dressing up and filling bags of candy while going door-to-door, special emphasis should be placed on safety to ensure everyone has a good time.

Guidelines for preparing children and parents for a truly Happy Halloween:
•  Ensure children under age 12 are supervised by an adult or older responsible youth. Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters intend to follow.
•  Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
•  Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well lit, never enter a stranger’s home and establish a return time.
•  Drivers should watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
•  Dress children only in fire-retardant costumes.
•  Keep costumes hemmed so they don’t cause children to trip. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
•  Decorate Halloween costumes with light-colored and light-reflecting material if kids will be out after dark.
•  Use facial make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
•  Give children an early meal before sending them trick-or-treating. Tell children not to eat any treat until they return home and - when in doubt, throw it out

Memories of Halloween trick-or-treating last for years after the candy is gone.  Make it a safe holiday by looking out for young participants taking part in one of our oldest annual traditions.