Costumes:

• Children should carry a flashlight or chemical light-stick and their costumes should be bright-colored or have reflective tape to highlight them.
• Be sure all parts of the costume are labeled flame retardant.
• Costumes should not have trailing material or tails long enough to cause falls.
• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
• If your child wears a mask instead of make-up on their face, double check that the holes are large enough to see through and breathe through clearly and easily.
• Children should wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing underneath their costumes.

Preparations and Decorations

• Use a small flashlight instead of a candle.
• Only use flame-proof crepe paper.
• Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from all flames and heat sources.
• Do NOT overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.
• Always keep Jack O' Lanterns away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children will be standing or walking.
• Confine pets in areas where it will be safe for both pets and "Trick or Treaters".
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
• Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
• Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.

Receiving Trick-or-Treaters

• Make sure your own home is well-lit and that there is a clear path to your door. Bicycles and lawn furniture can trip youngsters in the dark.
• Clear leaves from sidewalks as wet leaves create a slipping hazard.

Trick or Treating

• Smaller children should always be with an adult. It's best to take little ones out early.
• Children should carry a flashlight so they can see and be seen.
• If older children are going out without you, go over the ground rules first!
• Know what neighborhoods they will be in.
• Don't allow them in areas with which you are not completely comfortable.
• Have children stay in a group.
• Let them know what time to be home.
• Give them change to use the telephone if necessary and make sure they know how to call home.
• Review with your children the principal of "Stop, Drop, and Roll" in case their clothing catches on fire.
• Never accept or consume food items or drinks.
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Instruct Children to:

• Use sidewalks.  Always walk, never run.
• Cross only at the corners, never dart out between parked cars.
• Cover one side of the street at a time.
• Never accept a ride in a car.
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• Only approach houses where the outside lights are on as a signal of welcome.
• Bring bags home to be checked by an adult before eating a single treat.

Checking Treats

• Throw out anything that appears tampered with, home-made foods, or home-packaged foods unless you are certain of the source.
• Inspect fruit closely and take away treats that may not be age-appropriate.
• Make sure items that can cause choking are given only to those of an appropriate age.   Young children may choke on things like hard candy or peanuts.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery

• Each year around Halloween, we turn the clocks back one hour. This is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. This year, buy batteries along with your Halloween candy, and Sunday, October 26th, change your clocks and change your batteries.