Halloween Safety  

With witches, goblins, and super-heroes descending on neighborhoods across the Commonwealth, here are some safety tips to help prepare parents and children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday. Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following are some practices that can be used to keep events safer and more fun.  

Parents should remind children to:

• Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.
  
  
• Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars and trucks.
  
  
• Cross the street only at corners.
  
  
• Not to hide or cross the street between parked cars.
  
  
• Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes and skateboards, too!)
  
  
• Plan a route and share it with the family. If possible, have an adult go with them.
  
  
• Carry a flashlight to light the way.
  
  
• Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable.)
  
  
• Visit homes that have the porch light on.
  
  
• Accept treats at the door and  to never go into a stranger's house.
  
  
• Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover the eyes.
  
  
• Be cautious of animals and strangers.
  
  
• Inspect treats before eating. And not to eat candy if the package is already opened. Also, small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.

Source: American Red Cross, www.redcross.org