Costume Ideas:

• Costumes are often dark-colored and difficult to see at night.  You can use reflective tape on the costumes and on Trick-or-Treating bags and buckets.

• Do not wear plastic masks.  They block your vision and can cause difficulty breathing. Consider using non-toxic make-up instead.

• For make-up and hair dyes, test them on a small area of skin before using.  Once you are home, wash off immediately to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.

• Do not wear decorative contacts. They can impair your vision and cause damage to the eye.

• Make sure accessories, such as swords and sticks, are short enough to not impede walking and dull enough that they will not hurt anyone.

• Check that all costumes and accessories are flame resistant.

  Treat Safety:

• Examine all treats before giving to your children.  Make sure that they are not tampered with.

• Have children eat a meal before they go out to avoid them snacking on treats before you examine them.

• Avoid home-made treats: make sure store-bought treats are factory sealed.

• Consider giving out non-food items, such as books and pens.

  Pumpkin Safety:
  

• Consider using markers to decorate Jack-o-lanterns to avoid any cuts.

• When using knives, only allow adults to cut and always cut away from yourself.

• Use flashlights and flameless candles inside the pumpkin.

• Place pumpkins away from curtains or walkways to avoid a fire hazards.

• Trick-or-Treating Safety:
  

• Always carry a flashlight when walking around.

• Walk; don't run when going from house to house.

• Only use sidewalks, but when necessary to walk on the road, walk on the side facing traffic so you can see any cars coming your way.

• Know your route ahead of time to avoid confusion or getting lost.

• Go in groups and with a trusted adult.

• Never go to homes that are not well-lit.

• Never go inside anyone's home or car to get treats.