Halloween safety tips for families

(WJBK) - Halloween is a fun time of year and families have some precautions they can take to make sure it stays fun for everyone. 

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. 

It's important that we follow these simple safety tips to keep everyone safe this holiday season. 

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. Then parents can do the cutting. 
 - Small children can also paint the pumpkin, or decorate in other safe ways. 
 - Battery operated 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. 
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For more Safety tips, visit www.childrensdmc.org/KS4K