by Kristen Bagwell
Happy, Happy Halloween! This is one of the most fun nights of the year for kids, and unfortunately, it's going to be a cold one, so make sure you and your kids wear layers to stay warm.
Speaking of tips, below are some good ideas from Consumer Reports...many of these are common sense, but it's a nice refresher for the kids before you head out the door.
• Buy costumes and wigs labeled "flame resistant." Also, never walk near lit candles or luminaries while wearing costumes.
• Wear shoes that fit well.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Be cautious with face paint--much of it isn't FDA-approved and could trigger allergic reactions. (Always test it first on a small patch of skin.) Remove it before bedtime to avoid skin/eye irritation.
• Never use decorative contact lenses; they can result in severe eye infections.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups and make sure your kids are with a trusted adult if not with you
• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
• Always walk and don't run from house to house.
• Stay on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic. Look for cars when walking by a driveway.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.
• Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
These are good suggestions for every day, not just Halloween:
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Make sure to put cell phones away while walking, especially when crossing streets.
• Take out ear buds when you are crossing streets or if someone approaches you.
For those of you who are driving that evening, Consumer Reports advises that in neighborhoods, drivers should "assume there are children around, and assume they don't see you." Also, the difference between impacts at 25 MPH and 35 MPH is the difference between life and death for a pedestrian, so slow down! And of course, never drink and drive.
Have a safe and fun Halloween night!
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