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Trick-or-Treat Tips for Kids

• Walk, don't run.
• Carry a flashlight so you can see cars and they can see you.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods and only trick-or-treat on the route you decided with your parents.
• Never go into a stranger's house.
• Only trick-or-treat at houses that are lit.
• Wear a watch you can read in the dark so you'll know when it's time to go home.
• Don't cut across yards or driveways.
• Only cross the street at corners.
• Stay on sidewalks.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing the oncoming traffic.
• Don't cross the street between parked cars.
• Always take off masks before crossing the street so you have a clear view of traffic.
• Stay alert for cars that may be turning into or backing out of driveways.
• Only eat treats that are fully sealed. It's best to wait until an adult looks over your candy before digging in.

 

• Always accompany young children as they trick-or-treat.
• If older children go out alone, be sure you know what route they will be taking.
• Know what other activities (such as parties) a child might be attending.
• Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground or inhibit movement.
• If knives, swords or props are part of a child's costume, they should be flexible plastic.
• Kids should wear shoes that fit, even if they don't go with the costume.
• Decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in a car's headlights.
• Add some reflective tape to candy bags, sacks or pumpkins.
• Tie hats and scarves securely so they won't slip over kids' eyes.
• Make sure masks fit securely and have eyeholes large enough to see through.
• Store-bought costumes should be flame-retardant. When buying costumes, wigs, beards and masks, look for a "flame-resistant" label.
• Avoid costumes made with flimsy materials or with billowy sleeves/skirts that could easily catch fire.
• If kids trick-or-treat with friends, they should have money to call home if they need you.
• If you are going out, be sure kids know where to reach you.
• Make sure children know the time you expect them to be home.
• Ask kids to bring home their candy for inspection before eating any. Throw away any candy that has a torn or suspicious-looking wrapper.
• Explain to your trick-or-treaters the difference between tricks and vandalism.

 

• Keep your yard clear of ladders, hoses, flower pots and other obstacles that can cause tripping.
• Keep your home well-lit inside and out, both to help prevent injuries to trick-or-treaters and prevent vandalism.
• Use battery-powered jack-o'-lanterns rather than real candles. If you do light a pumpkin with a candle, keep it well away from any area where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
• Consider putting a little nutrition into Halloween by offering packs of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter, single-serving boxes of cereal or raisins, packaged fruit rolls, or non-food treats like stickers, pencils or small toys.
• If you're on the roads, drive slowly.
• If you attend a Halloween party for grown-up witches and warlocks, be sure to have a designated driver who stays away from the bubbling brew.

 

• Keep your pets inside on Halloween.
• Resist the urge to feed pets Halloween candy. Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and wrappers can be dangerous if swallowed.
• Keep pets away from lit jack-'o-lanterns. Excited animals can easily start a fire or set their own fur aflame.
• Just say no to pet costumes unless you know for certain your dog or cat loves to dress up. Costumes can put a lot of stress on animals, but if you must garb the dog in that cute bat or ballerina outfit, make sure it doesn't obstruct movement, vision or hearing.
• Keep all but the most social animals away from the area where trick-or-treaters will arrive. Too many strangers in weird outfits can upset even the most laid-back pet.