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Halloween Safety

I know it’s hard to believe, but Halloween is right around the corner! While Halloween is a fun, exciting holiday for kids, it’s also a time to keep your kids safe.

Here are a few tips for kids and parents to keep in mind this Halloween season…

Tips for Kids

pumpkin• Never, ever go into a stranger’s house.

• Always look both ways when crossing the street.

• Carry a flashlight or wear reflective tape on your costume to make you more visible (especially to cars).

• Never eat homemade treats unless you and your family know the person well.

• Only go trick-or-treating during the allotted time set by your neighborhood or community.

• Remember that vandalism is not cool. People go through the trouble and expense to make their houses look nice and festive for Halloween. Also, someone has to clean up and fix the damage-which could end up being you if you are caught.  You could also possibly get arrested and be in BIG trouble.  So don’t do it!

Tips for Parents

• Trick-or-treating children should always be accompanied by an adult.

• If your children/teens are old enough to go trick-or-treating without an adult present, make sure they’re with a group of friends, know their route, and have them “check-in” with you periodically either in person or by cell phone.

• Tell children not to eat any candy until they get home and you’ve examined it.

• Make sure your children eat dinner before trick-or-treating. This way, they won’t be as tempted to eat candy while they’re out before bringing it home for you to inspect.

• Help your child pick a costume that is safe, and make sure costume props are not sharp.

• Allow your kids to go out trick-or-treating only during the allotted time set by your neighborhood or community.

• Halloween will be here before you know it. With these tips, you and your children are prepared to pick out costumes, prepare for the holiday, and then get out there for a safe, fun Halloween night. I hope you all have a Happy Halloween — and good luck resisting all the left-over candy!  : )

Katie LaMendola, a former Kids Plus Provider, is a Family Nurse Practitioner.