Halloween

October 20, 2004

Before the sun goes down and goblins hit the trick-or-treat trail
A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.

While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O' Lantern, leave the carving to adults.

Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.

Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.

Do not permit children to bicycle, inline skate or skateboard.

Agree on a specific time when children must return home.

Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.

Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags.

Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.

Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.

While trick-or-treating
A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

A flashlight allows you to see and be seen by others.

Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.

Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.

Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

Never cut across yards or use alleys.

Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.

Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.

Always walk. Never run across a street.

Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).

Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.

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.

Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.

No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.

Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

After trick-or-treating
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.

Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are not given to small children.

This article is courtesy of WFAA.com