Halloween

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

Be sure that the costume you choose allows you to buckle-up with your age appropriate child safety restraint
Costumes should be made of flame-retardant material
Costumes should not drag the ground or be excessively loose
Avoid wearing masks; make-up is safer
Wear comfortable, practical shoes (even if they don't match your outfit) & double-tie your shoelaces
Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic, and be sure that such props are flexible and do not have sharp edges or tips
Wear costumes with reflective markings and/or apply reflective tape to your costume and props

Always trick-or-treat in groups, accompanied by an adult
Plan your route ahead of time
Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods
Stay on sidewalks and do not cut across yards
Cross only at intersections and obey all traffic signals
Only visit well lit houses
Do not go in houses; stay outside
Never accept rides from strangers
Do not approach unfamiliar pets or animals
Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings
Keep your costume, wig, props, etc., away from candles
Watch for cars backing up or turning
Wear glow necklaces and/or bracelets
Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries and/or glow sticks
Be polite and say "thank you"
Do not eat any candy before it has been inspected for tampering under bright lights by an adult
Throw away any treat that looks suspicious, is unwrapped, has loose wrappings, has puncture holes, etc.
Only eat homemade treats from people you know and trust

Do not use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving on Halloween or at any other time.
Do not text while driving on Halloween or at any other time.
Pay extra attention, particularly to crosswalks, intersections, and the side of the road. Kids tend to walk along the curbs, cutting across the street to get to other homes. Keep scanning all around you as you drive, whether as through traffic or along with your kids as they trick-or-treat.
Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas during trick-or-treating hours. This will allow you to brake if you see a child dart in front of you.
Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway - they could be dropping off children.
When dropping off or picking up kids in an area, pull off the road into a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. If you go with your kids from door to door, leave the hazard lights on so other drivers can see your vehicle parked there.
Instruct your child to never get into the car of a stranger. It might be easy for your child to mistake someone else's car for their own. Put an easily identifiable object on your dashboard or in your window to make your car more recognizable for your children.