Trick or Treating Safety

Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids and adults alike,
so its important that we take some precautions to keep it that
way! Here's my list of trick or treating tips for your family. 

Wear comfortable shoes!! Carry a flashlight Wear something with
a reflector on it (you can even find reflector tape and paint at
your local home improvement store. Go out before dark-especially
for little ones. The big kids tend to flood the streets later at
night making it hard for little ones to trick or treat. Never go
into a strangers house, even if they ask you to come in while
they go and get some candy. Throw away all homemade or unwrapped
treats. I know some people work hard on making great home made
treats, but in this day and age its not worth the risk! When
walking down the street, have the adult walk closest to the
road, and the children closest to the houses. Do not run ahead
of the adults-its very easy for children to get carried away and
accidentally run into the road. Do not pet strange animals while
trick or treating. Though you really shouldn't ever pet
someone's animal with out being invited to do so, you especially
shouldn't during trick or treating where your costume or other
costumes may be irritating or confusing to the animal. Do not
eat candy as you go. Always be nice, even when people do not
have any candy to give out. Do not knock on doors where the
lights are off. Watch where you step! Have a plan before you
start. If you are walking in an unfamiliar neighborhood, it is
easy to get lost. When you approach a treat giving house, make
sure to yell "Trick or Treat!" very loudly! When you get home,
check all of the candy before allowing children to eat any of
it. You are looking for: -old worn wrappers -torn wrappers (even
with the smallest hole) -home made treats -unwrapped treats
-toys with small parts that may be a chocking hazard -money
(change) -fruit -any candy that looks like it may have been
tampered with. -for small children, remove any hard candies.
They tend to become slick once in the mouth and can quickly
become a choking hazard. -lickable stamps -glass or sharp objects

If you find any of the above mentioned items, its best to
discard them-trust me, there will still be plenty of treats to
go around afterwards!! 

Have a safe and Fun Halloween-and take lots of pictures!