It’s that spooky time of year again! Halloween is a holiday that is gaining in popularity year after year. What used to be a single day of fun and antics has morphed into an entire month or more of haunted houses, neighborhood decorating contests, exotic and complicated costume designs and much more.  Halloween remain fun for children, who can dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted the following tips for safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests at Halloween.
    Going trick-or-treating?
Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
Hold a flashlight to help you see and others see you. Always WALK, not run from house to house.
Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime.
Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible or the edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Never accept rides from strangers.
Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
      Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?
Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:
- Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
- Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
- Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
- Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
- Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.
Have a Safe Halloween
Halloween celebrations are supposed to be fun and exciting, for the child in each of us as well as the actual children. Please use common sense when you are around children and engage in activities that will create positive memories for all involved.   There are few tragedies worse than injuries and accidents that happen while children are involved in Halloween celebrations and the excitement of the beginning of the holiday season. It is a sad statement, but every year there are people hurt or worse by the antics of Halloween revelers gone amuck. It an activity feels over-the-top, or too much, don’t do it, use your brain and be reasonable and allow everyone to have the same fun that you want.
Related Links
The Federal Food and Drug Administration has also published guidelines for Halloween food safety.
Halloween Safety Tips (FDA)
