As Halloween nears, the last thing we think about are safety precautions. Face it, we tend to focus on the age old question, “What am I going to be for Halloween?” Besides costumes, “trick or treating” and hosting holiday parties definitely take center stage. Luckily, the Halloween Industry Association (HIA), a non-profit trade association established to promote the celebration of Halloween, has put together a safety checklist for everyone to follow.

PRE-HALLOWEEN PREP

— Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Shoes should fit well and costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames.

— Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.

— Mask should fit securely and allow proper site lines.

— Purchase non toxic makeup.

— Hats should fit properly and not slide over eyes.

— When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. ( For more information about flame resistant costumes, go to http://www.hiaonline.org )

— Swords, canes, or sticks should not be sharp or too long.

— Equip flashlights with fresh batteries.

— Provide cell phones and teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.

SHOWTIME: THE BIG NIGHT

— A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.

— Trick or Treat in the late afternoon or early evening.

— If your older children are going without adult supervision, plan and review the route, have them travel in a group and be clear about the time you expect them home.

— Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

— Carry a cell phone.

— 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.

— Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never
cross between parked cars or out driveways.

— 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!

— Call the police to report suspicious or unlawful activity.

TAKING STOCK

— Inspect treats and discard with questionable appearances.

— Pace consumption and save treats for the days and weeks ahead!

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