Halloween is one of those childhood coveted holidays for one reason: Trick-or-Treating. Dressing up like a princess, magician, or the hero from their favorite book or movie is dreamed up for weeks. Having safety tips planned out in advance will help to keep the magic alive for many years to come.

• Choose the Best Time: A long standing trick-or-treating myth is that you have to wait until dark. Having an early dinner and heading out at dusk allows children to be seen much more easily. Only stop at houses that have a porch light on as those houses are prepared to pass out candy. Never enter a person’s house while trick-or-treating.

• Wear Comfy Shoes: Make sure everyone who is walking in your party is comfortable. That includes parents, chaperones, and children. Avoiding heels or tricky shoes that might make it difficult to walk in the dark is best.

• Choose Safe Costumes: Utilizing toxic-free face paint in lieu of masks ensures the child is able to breathe freely throughout the night. The right size costume prevents a child from falling; if unsure of length, better to make it slightly short so it does not drag on the ground. With a little imagination, you can add some reflective tape to the costumes for maximum protection. Passing out glow sticks so everyone can be seen in the dark is fun and safe!

• Adhere to Traffic Rules: Be sure to use crosswalks, follow crossing signals, and look in all directions before crossing. Always walk, not run, when in the road. Be aware of any parked cars that start to move.

• Check your Child’s Candy: Have an agreement before going trick-or-treating that candy must be checked before it is consumed. Any candy that is not in its original wrapper, is partially unwrapped, or appears to be homemade should be thrown out immediately.

Do you have any additional suggestions or Halloween traditions that you follow?

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