Stay Safe When Trick-or-Treating

One of the most anticipated parts of Halloween for children is trick-or-treating. The Centers for Disease Control offers this appropriate acronym to help kids remember how to stay safe when trick-or-treating: SAFE HALLOWEEN.

Here are the tips, courtesy of the CDC's Family Health section:

• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone—always go in a group or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Don't eat too many!

• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating. This helps you see where you're going, as well as letting others know where you are.
• Always test makeup in a small area first, and don't forget to take it off before bed to prevent irritation.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks as often as you can.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses—especially if you don't have a prescription.
• Only walk on sidewalks. If you must get off the sidewalk, stay as far away from the road as you can.
• Wear well-fitting costumes—including masks and shoes—so you can see where you're going and reduce the chances of tripping.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats; avoid eating homemade treats from strangers.
• Enter homes only with a trusted adult.
• Never walk by lit candles, and be sure your costume is flame-resistant.