Halloween kid safety ideas and tips

The tradition of "Trick-or-Treating" is still practiced in many places, and leads to streets and neighborhoods filled with miniature ghosts, monsters, movie stars and cartoon characters. While adults can still find humor, irony or fantasy in dressing up themselves and/or their children for the big event, most of the kids involved are concentrating on the goodies they are out to collect.

Many communities have implemented "Trick-or-Treat Hours", community events or other means to help ensure that Halloween is celebrated in a manner that is safe and pleasant for everyone. Whether heading out around the block or to the big festival downtown, taking a few minutes to review these tips and make sure that your menagerie's plans aim for safety will help to ensure a fun evening, that doesn't become memorable for the wrong reasons.

·Consider the weather. Sacrificing warmth or dryness for design effect will only result in discomfort and may lead to a shortened, unhappy excursion.

·A flashlight is essential, in case darkness falls before you return. Remember that sometimes the clock seems to move faster when you're not paying attention to it. Reflective tape applied to the back, sleeves and legs of costumes will help make children more visible to motorists - especially if their costumes are dark.

·Masks should be avoided, but if worn, must allow for clear, unobstructed vision. Ensure that children's masks fit securely, so the wearer doesn't have to keep adjusting it or taking it off. Keep in mind, the illusion of the costume is very important to that child. She's not going to take the mask off if she can't see where she's going, she'll just try to peer through the little corner she can still see. Adults: the gorilla going down the highway may seem cute at first glance, but he's just asking for trouble. Never wear a mask while driving.

·Make-up should be non-toxic. Avoid getting it in the wearer's eyes, nose or mouth.

·Young children must be accompanied on their rounds. Older kids should go out in groups, and only visit houses of people they know. Some communities have established "Safe Treat" programs with local merchants, to draw traffic downtown, and contribute to the festive atmosphere.

·Stress to your children that none of their candy should be eaten until you have a chance to look it over with them. When they get home, it can be fun for them to inventory and trade their goodies, while you make sure everything is safe to eat. Open or unwrapped items should be discarded. Homemade treats should be avoided unless you know the source for certain, and it is someone you are sure you trust.

·If Trick-or-Treaters will be visiting your house, consider giving out cartoon stickers, school items (holiday pencils or erasers), or gift certificates from a local ice-cream shop or fast-food restaurant. Kids will enjoy the variety, and parents will appreciate that someone didn't give candy.

·Finally, you and your friends may want to consider foregoing Trick-or-Treat altogether, and organize a neighborhood costume party. This can be a creative and enjoyable alternative, especially if the climate is not conducive to a long walk through the streets. After all, you want to enjoy yourself too, right?

Have a safe and happy holiday!