Trick
or Treat Safety

• A parent or responsible adult should
  always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
  
• 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.
  
• Remind Trick-or Treaters:
  
  · Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  
  · Carry a mobile phone for quick communication.
  
  · Only go to homes with a porch light on.
  
  · 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.
  
  · Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
  
  · Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as
  recognized by local custom).
  
  · 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!
  
  · Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any
  suspicious or unlawful activity.

Costume
Safety

• 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.
  
• Consider adding reflective tape or
  striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
  
• Because masks can limit or block
  eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer
  alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding
  over eyes.
  
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and
  accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly
  indicating they are flame resistant.
  
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part
  of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A
  child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or
  trips.
  
• Obtain flashlights with fresh
  batteries for all children and their escorts.
  
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or
  their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become
  lost.

Pumpkin
Carving Safety

• Small children should never carve
  pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do
  the cutting.
  
• Votive candles are safest for
  candle-lit pumpkins.
  
• Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a
  sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and
  should never be left unattended.

Safety
at Home

• To keep homes safe for visiting
  trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front
  yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys,
  bikes and lawn decorations.
  
• Parents should check outdoor lights
  and replace burned-out bulbs.
  
• Wet leaves should be swept from
  sidewalks and steps.
  
• Restrain pets so they do not
  inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Healthy
Halloween

• A good meal prior to parties and
  trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on
  Halloween treats.
  
• Consider purchasing non-food treats
  for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and
  pencils.
  
• 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.
  
• Try to ration treats for the days
  following Halloween.