Posted on: Monday, October 17, 2005
How to avoid a nightmarish Halloween
Gannett News Service
Halloween doesn't have to be scary, as long as parents and kids know how to stay safe. Here are some tips for trick-or-treating and for having a party at home:
AT HOME
Eat dinner before trick-or-treating to avoid temptation to eat the candy while collecting it.
Wait until you get home so your parents can check the candy before you eat it.
Save only factory-wrapped treats. Throw anything away that is not wrapped, including fruit, homemade candy or baked goods.
Never eat candy that has an open or ripped wrapper.
WHILE YOU'RE OUT
Wear costumes that are easy to walk in, see in and be seen in.
Add reflective tape to be better seen in the dark.
Use makeup instead of a mask so you can see well.
Choose comfortable shoes for walking.
Make sure swords, knives and other costume accessories are made of soft, flexible material.
Wear a flame-retardant costume.
Don't play near lit jack-o'-lanterns.
Trick or treat in early evening hours.
Pick well-lighted streets.
Walk on sidewalks and driveways, and facing oncoming traffic in areas without sidewalks. Don't cut across lawns.
Cross streets at corners or in a crosswalk.
Carry a flashlight.
Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood and visit the homes of people you know.
Never trick-or-treat alone. An adult should supervise younger children.
Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is.
Take a cellular phone, if possible, in case you get separated from your group.
Visit houses only where the lights are on.
Be wary of strangers.
Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.
Be sure to say, "Thank you."
FOR ADULTS
Pin a slip of paper with your young child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case he or she is separated from the group.
Look out for choking hazards for small children. Remove gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys from the treat bag before you allow your youngster to have the treats.
Save homemade treats for parties. For safety, give factory-wrapped candy to trick-or-treaters.
Know your teen's Halloween plans or offer to supervise a party at your house. Emphasize that some pranks can damage property or hurt people.
Drive slowly through neighborhoods and be watch for children in the streets.
Clear your yard of hazards that might trip trick-or-treaters. Light the area well.
Consider fire safety when decorating. Don't overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting, don't block exit doors and keep candles away from trick-or-treaters.
Keep pets in a separate room, not in the backyard, so they won't be frightened by strangers in costume at the front door.
PARTY IDEAS
Grab a piece of plywood, cut a head-sized hole and paint a pumpkin or ghost on it. As guests arrive, take their pictures.
Use the same board for a beanbag toss.
Let kids make musical instruments out of boxes, paper towel rolls and empty coffee cans.
Sit in a circle and make up a ghost story by having each guest add to the story until it reaches a scary ending.
Serve punch in a large, hollowed-out pumpkin. Take a plastic glove, fill with water and freeze. Throw it in the pumpkin to keep the punch cold.
Ask each guest to bring a carved pumpkin. Have a contest.
