I don’t know about you, but I am so super psyched for Halloween this year! My kids have been counting down the days and it’ll be even super fun since it falls on a Sunday – a full day of Halloween bliss!! The costumes are just about ready … the candy to hand out has been bought … the buckets pulled out of the attic and dusted off … But in the midst of all the excitement, it’s good to run through a quick refresher on some good Halloween safety tips.
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 shrubbery or fences
* Buy costumes made of flame retardant material
* Use light colors or reflective tape on costumes
* Children should carry flashlights so they 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 always 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
And hopefully you won’t need it, but just in case – Carolina’s Poison Control Center is 704-355-4000 or 800-222-1222.
Have a super Smarty Halloween! And please let us know of other tips that you have found to be helpful on this ghoulish night.
P.S. Smarties, this is Tracy Spiva’s creative Halloween costume pictured above, her son as local celeb weather icon, Larry Sprinkle. The Spivas will make an appearance on NBC 6 tomorrow morning at 6:45a. Jake and Larry will be giving the morning weather forecast! Tune in!
Don’t forget to take advantage of a few Smarty deals this week not to be missed – today is the last day to register!
1) Register to win a month of FREE piano lessons plus waived registration fee from our friends at Francis Music Studio – perfect to go under the tree this year! 
2) Little Otter Swim School is offering a Smarty discount through October 31st, so don’t hesitate! Sign up for an opening in classes Monday through Wednesday mornings that meet between 9:30 and 2:30 and receive 20% off tuition for classes through the end of the year. You must enroll before October 31st and offer is valid for anyone not currently enrolled, including families that took a break and want to return. 
Enjoy the great deals!
