Halloween tricks, treats, costumes and safety

It is no surprise that October is Halloween Safety Month, with all of the excitement involved in dressing up and enjoying a little frightening fun it’s easy to put safety aside. Everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween so, we’ve provided some easy to follow guidelines and common sense reminders to help you make the most of the Halloween season.
Trick or treating safety starts at home.  Make sure your house is ready for visitors by clearing clutter and ensuring exterior lights are working properly. 
Decorations are fun, however be sure that a clear path to your door is identified, if you plan to scare your guests, you need to account for their response to run or jump without landing or tripping over anything. If you have jack-o-lanterns be sure all flames are far enough away from the path, so that even oversized costumes are not in danger.
If you have small children, be sure to develop a safety plan for them prior to leaving home.  This should include, being sure they are accompanied by an adult or older sibling at all times, as well as knowing what to do in the event that they become separated from their designated chaperon.  It’s also important to trick or treat in neighborhoods that your children are familiar with.
Please encourage all trick or treaters to wait until they return home to eat ANY candy. Treats should be inspected for signs of tampering or harmful objects before your children start enjoying.  Also, providing a healthy meal before sending them out will make them less likely to overeat candy or eat while they are still collecting.  If your child tends to overdo sweets, set limits to control their candy (and sugar) intake.
Halloween Safety Month is not just a time to educate kids to be careful, but parents and other adults as well.  Drivers should be on the watch out for kids on the streets and drive carefully in neighborhoods.  Adult parties are also common, which can lead to indulging in food and alcoholic drinks.  Remember, as with any holiday to keep your own health and safety in mind and always know your limits.
Adults and children alike need to consider the safety of their costume. Be sure to consider the following when selecting costumes:
•  Can you walk and move easily?
•  Are the eyeholes large enough for good peripheral vision?
•  Is the costume treated to be flame resistant?
•  Is it easily visible at night?
•  Are all accessories safe?

Make Halloween safety a tradition your children can carry on with their family some day by following these guidelines as well as looking for community sponsored events to participate in.  As always, in the event of an emergency or accident, make sure you seek medical attention immediately!