• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. • Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. • Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. • When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. • If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. • Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. • Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

SAFE HOME:

1. Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other combustibles. 2. Never leave candles unattended. 3. Make sure indoor or outdoor lights have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory and check for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. 4. Don’t overload extension cords or electrical sockets. 5. Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from high traffic areas to avoid them from being knock over.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. • If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. • Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. • Parents should have ALL treats inspected.

Because pedestrian injuries to children are 4 times higher on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:

• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. • Carry a mobile phone for quick communication. • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. • Never cut across yards or use alleys. • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways. • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will! • Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.