Halloween Safety Tips!

Halloween Safety Tips! 

Bring a flashlight (with batteries) for each kiddo and parent.

Rather than a mask that may limit visibility for your child and increase their frustration level, choose a hat or make-up (test sensitive skin in advance).

Eat a good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating to discourage your kids from filling up on Halloween treats.

Purchase non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils. Families with food allergies will thank you!

Review family rules regarding trick-or-treating in advance of going out so that everyone is clear on the rules and expectations:

• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Remind children of the rules of the road such as stay on the sidewalk, look both ways when crossing the street, only use established crosswalks, don’t cut through alleys or yards etc.  
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children. Consider a wagon or stroller for children to prevent them from becoming overtired quickly due to the physical activity of walking.
• If your teenagers are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you.
• Agree on a specific time when teens should return home. Similarly, set an end time in advance for younger children so that you can give 5, 10, and 15-minute warnings that trick-or-treating is coming to an end.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Mom and Dad are in charge of candy! Keep candy out of reach of children and ration treats for the days following Halloween.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost. 

- See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx#sthash.CAFRu2fF.dpuf