By Caroline Carr

It’s that spooky time of year.  Jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and ghouls abound. Time for kids to roam our streets offering a trick or two and getting the treats! It’s a fun time of year for kids and adults. But there are some things we need to be aware of so this holiday is fun and safe for everyone.

There are three areas we can look at to ensure a safe and fun Halloween: Driving safety, trick or treating safety and costume safety.

Trick or Treating Safety

• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk in the street, make sure to face traffic.
• Use the most direct paths to houses.
• If someone’s house lights are off, go to the next house.
• Do not eat any candy or treats until you get home and have an adult look through everything first.
• Trick or treat in groups. It’s much safer than going alone.

Driving Safety

• Stay alert! Children are excited and might run into the street or driveway without looking.
• Drive slowly through neighborhoods so you have time to stop if people are crossing the street without looking.
• When making turns or backing up, be sure to look carefully to see if anyone is in your path.
• Avoid any distractions like your phone and even the radio.

Costume Safety

• Make sure costumes fit well so that they don’t cause tripping.
• Carry a flashlight to light your path.
• Put reflective tape on your child’s costume to make them visible to drivers.
• Masks can obstruct a child’s vision. It’s better to use non-allergenic makeup.

If kids are trick or treating without adult supervision, make sure they know the route they are going on and that they have check in times. Have them check in with you in a half hour, or hour. Designate the time they will return home. Also, make sure your trick or treaters know not to enter anyone’s home.

Halloween is one of the most fun times of the year for children and adults. Employing these simple safety tips will ensure that everyone has a good, safe time.

So, remember, if the vampire bites or the werewolf howls, don’t be scared! It’s probably your friend behind you. Have a spooky, safe time out there!