Halloween Safety

With Halloween upon this week, I thought it would be helpful to list safety tips for our little trick-or-treaters. Here are some general guildelines that I found that can help your children prepare for the event and have lots of fun. And remember Carolinas Poison Center is 704-355-4000 or 800-222-1222.

Before you set out:
* Feed your child(ren) a meal or snack so that they are less likely to eat candy before getting home
* Once costumes are assembled, put away all costume tools such as scissors, makeup or safety pins (out of child’s reach)
* Before you leave the house, discuss what route children will follow, who is supervising the group, what friends are going along and what time they will be home

Costumes
* Costumes should fit well so that children do not trip on long costumes or get snagged on schrubbery or fences
* Buy costumes make of flame retardent material
* Use lilght colors or reflective tape on costumes
* Children should carry flashlights so that can better see and be seen
* Face masks should allow for good vision – consider taking off masks when crossing the street

Treats
* Have children bring all treats home for inspection
* Sort out treats and check to make sure that all wrappers are intact
* Discard unwrapped or loosely wrapped items
* Dispose of choking hazards such as peanuts, gum and hard candies

Basic Safety
* Young children should slways be accompanied by an adult – older children should go in groups and carry a mobile phone
* Trick-or-treat in neighborhoods and yards that are known and well lit
* Walk on sidewalks, not streets – do not run out from between parked cars and always look both ways before crossing the street

Have a super smarty Halloween. And please let us know of other tips that you have found to be helpful on this goulish night.