Ghosts, superheroes, fairy princesses, witches, pirates…there is just no telling what colorful character might show up at your door on Halloween. Yet with all the fun and excitement associated with this special fall holiday, there must be a concern for safety, for trick-or-treating in the dark brings with it some potential dangers along with the prospect of filling up on candy. Those who take the time to take a few simple precautions when they go out on October 31^st can be sure to have an experience that is memorable for all the right reasons.

PARENTS

Unfortunately, moms and dads can no longer trust the kindness of strangers when it comes to Halloween activities. Stories of contaminated candy, accidents, and missing children are all too common the day after the holiday. Because they are responsible for the health and welfare of their children, parents need to be especially wary about what their kids are doing on Halloween.

• Children under 12 should always be under the supervision of an adult or a responsible teenager when they go out trick-or-treating.

• Parents should try and stick to visiting the homes of people they know as they go about the neighborhood looking for candy. Alternatively, many malls sponsor trick-or-treat nights on which merchants provide the sweets.

• It is suggested that groups of two or more families travel together. Besides providing safety in numbers, the kids will have more fun and the adults can talk to one another as they watch their kids ring doorbells.

• Do your best to allow kids to trick-or-treat only in well-lit areas.

MOTORISTS

Many of the accidents reported at Halloween occur because children dart out unexpectedly in front of cars. Even if you do not have any children, there will be many out trick-or-treating on Halloween, and if you have to drive, it is up to you to be on the look out for young, costumed travelers.

• Driving at a speed well under the limit through neighborhoods is recommended so that a sudden stop will be easier and more likely to save a life.

• Beware of kids that run out into the street suddenly from between parked cars.

• Be especially careful at dusk when visibility is poor, and be aware at night that not every child will be wearing clothing that is easy to see.

COSTUME DESIGN

Some of the cutest kids costumes can also be the most dangerous. Loose clothing can get snagged on a tree or can catch on fire if a child is standing too close to a jack-o-lantern. A popular costume is not necessarily an advisable costume.

• Look for costumes made of fire-retardant fabrics and other flame-resistant materials.

• Be careful that skirts, robes, and other flowing garments are not so long that a child might trip on the train of his costume.

• Look for costumes that are easily visible to motorists at night. White colors are always a plus when it comes to safety.

MAKE-UP/FACE DESIGN

Every child likes to wear a mask and pretend to be someone else. Poorly designed masks can impair vision and communication, but not everyone considers these things when purchasing a mask. Care in covering a child’s face will go a long way to keeping him or her safe.

• Generally speaking, it is recommended that masks are avoided whenever possible. If the face is not covered, sight will not be compromised.

• If your child must wear a mask, make sure that the eye holes are large enough to incorporate both frontal and peripheral vision. In other words, if your son must wear that Batman costume, make sure it has eyeholes and not slits.

• Facial make-up is easy to apply and remove, and it does not get in the way of a child’s sight. This is always the best way to go.

ACCESSORIES

That pirate costume is just not complete without the sword. Indeed, the accessories that accompany a child’s Halloween wardrobe often make or break the costume that he or she is wearing. But any extraneous object is a potential hazard if a few rules are not kept in mind.

• Make sure that the accessories your child is carrying on Halloween are always made out of a soft, flexible material. Inflatable swords, rounded-cardboard edges, and so on will not harm a child if they are fallen upon.

• Accessories should be lightweight because kids are bound to swing them without paying attention or use them to hit one another. If the accessory is light, it will not harm anyone.

• Do not let your children carry sharp objects of any kind.

ON THE WAY

It is more likely that trick-or-treaters will suffer harm as the result of the carelessness or maliciousness of others than it is that they will inflict hurt upon themselves. Key to safe trick-or-treating is being careful of one’s surroundings.

• Children must be clear that no matter how friendly a homeowner may seem, they are never to enter a stranger’s home without their parent.

• Do not let the excitement of the event prevent your kids from practicing basic safety rules such as looking both ways before crossing the street.

• Keep an eye on the weather beforehand and do not go out if it is going to be storming.

TREATS

 The great thing about Halloween is that it is a holiday that keeps on giving days and even weeks after the trick-or-treating. A huge candy haul means that treats can be stretched out and enjoyed long after October 31^st has past. But potential danger attends even the consumption of candy, so parents must be wary here as well.

• Parents should inspect all the candy their children collect and be on the lookout for treats that appear to have been tampered with.

• Children can only collect as much candy as their carrying container will hold. If you do not want them to get too many sweet treats, do not give them a large bag or bucket.

• Eating dinner before going out will keep kids from eating too much candy on their way home from the outing.

These simple, common-sense guidelines can ensure that your Halloween is safe and fun. Happy trick-or-treating, and try not to scare too many people out there!

Halloween Safety for Children

Halloween Safety from the US Product Safety Commission

Halloween Safety Guide for Pets