Keep Your Ghosts and Goblins Safe This Halloween
Contributor
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Candy, costumes and Halloween decorations have been in the stores for weeks, all leading up to the big celebration next week. Kids and adults alike look forward to this one day where we can play dress up and pretend to be someone else. With Halloween coming on Friday this year, the number of trick or treaters and Halloween revelers will surely be high.
If you teach your kids a few simple rules, they might just stay safe this Halloween. The first and foremost item you need to discuss are the treats. It's been known for years that there are a few evil people out there whose main intent is to hurt the trick or treaters by contaminating the treats in some way. The kids must know that they can't eat anything out of their bag without your inspecting it first.
Secondly, is the costume - and this is where you have most control. The Consumer Products Safety Council (CPSC) says to check all wigs, beards, masks and costumes to be sure that they are flame resistant. Before you buy, make certain a mask fits your child and that the eye holes line up correctly so they can see where they are going. Avoid long, dragging costumes that can trip your child. Since a lot of Halloween costumes involve dark clothing, add reflective tape to the front, back and sleeves so they can be picked up by a car's headlights.
If at all possible, go trick or treating with the kids. When I answer my door to that familiar sound of "Trick or Treat!!", I am always pleased to see mom or dad standing out on the sidewalk - not hovering, but close enough to know what's going on with their kids.
You can find a complete list of the CPSC safety suggestions on their website. Before you get the kids ready for the big day next Friday, take a look at it - it might just keep your kids safe. And most of all, have a Happy Halloween!!!