Tips For a Fun and Safe Trick-Or-Treat

The Berkshires have seen cold temperatures and rain for the past two weeks, but it actually looks like the weather looks like it's going to work out for local Trick-Or-Treaters. With the weather on our side, let's me sure everyone enjoys a safe and Happy Halloween with some tips for parents and candy passer-outters (yes, I just made that up) from the Massachusetts Safety Committee.

For Parents

• Make sure your child’s costume is safe. To avoid trip-and fall injuries, it should fit well and not drag on the floor.  If should also be flame-resistant or flame-retardant, and be light-colored for best visibility.
• Apply reflective tape to arms/legs and treat bag so that your child is visible to drivers. You can find reflective tape at hardware and sporting goods stores.  In addition, it’s a good idea for all trick-or-treaters to carry a flashlight.
• If your child wears a mask, make sure the eye-holes are big enough to see trip hazards or oncoming traffic, and that the mouth opening allows them to breathe well. Non-toxic face paint is a great, fun alternative to wearing a mask!
• Costume accessories, such as swords, knives and other pointed objects should be made of soft materials.
• An adult should accompany trick-or-treaters under 12 years old.
• This is a great time to practice safe street-crossing with young children:
  • Use crosswalks and walk-signals
  • Before crossing, look left, right and left again
  • Walk (do not run) across the street
• Set a curfew for older children, and remind children of all ages never to enter a stranger’s car or home.
• Check your child’s treats before they enjoy any candy. Keep wrapped or packaged candy, and throw out any unwrapped or suspicious-looking treats.

For Candy Passer-Outters

• Keep both inside and outside lights on during trick or- treat time to welcome and protect trick-or-treaters.
• Avoid placing candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or a fire.
• Only hand out wrapped or packaged candy and treats. Avoid handing out small inexpensive toys that could cause choking or lead-poisoning for young children