Tips for a fun, safe night out on Halloween

(WJBK) - Halloween is a fun time of year. Children and adults get dressed up to enjoy this time of year. There are a couple things to remember to keep everyone safe.

Children and adults are at an increased risk for pedestrian injuries - due to dark colored clothing and it being dark outside. Children can also get very sick by consuming too much candy, or candy that was not inspected by their parent/caregiver. 

Renee Zarr from Children's Hospital of Michigan Kohl's Injury Prevention Coordinator joined us in studio with some ways we can all stay safe this Halloween. 

ALL DRESSED UP:
 - 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 glow sticks 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. 

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. 
 -If your older children are going with a group, 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. 
    - Always look LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT and WALK across the street. 
    - 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. 
    - 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!

HOME SAFE 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. 

CARVING A NICHE: 
 - Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers but the cutting should be left to the adults. 
 - Small children can also paint the pumpkin, or decorate in other safe ways. 
 - Battery operated candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins. 
 - Candle lit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.