Halloween Checklist

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta offers this checklist for a safe Halloween:

Review this list as the sun rises on Halloween and make sure all are checked before dusk.

Home:

• Remove hazards from front porch and yard, such as pots, branches, candles and hoses.
• Confine household pets, and make sure they are wearing collars.
• Leave jack-o-lantern carving to adults and use battery-powered lights.

Food:

• Talk to children in advance about boundaries for how many pieces of candy will be eaten Halloween night (three to five recommended).
• When choosing candies to give on Halloween, select ones with nutritional value like chocolates (the darker the better) or candies with nuts.
• Send kids trick-or-treating on a full stomach by planning an easy meal, like a bowl of whole-wheat pasta or a quick peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Costumes:

• Make sure masks have eyeholes large enough for full vision.
• Check for loose clothing that could easily brush up against jack-o-lanterns.
• Read labels to make sure fabrics are flame resistant—remind to stop, drop and roll.

Accessories:

• Test props to make sure they are flexible and confirm face paint is non-toxic.
• Add reflective tape and stickers if costumes are not bright.
• Ensure kids carry a flashlight and cell phone.

Route:

• Chaperone children age 13 and younger.
• Remind kids to stay on sidewalk; walk facing traffic and avoid shortcuts.
• Set a rule to visit only well-lit houses and remain on porch.