Keep Halloween Hazards From Becoming a Real Scare

Creepy costumes and visions of candy promise an evening of fun-filled frenzy for kids. But hidden dangers can be easily overlooked in the rush to celebrate. Follow these Top 10 Halloween safety tips for a night that's fright-filled yet danger-free.

HOUSTON TX, October 6, 2004 -- Spooky decorations, creepy costumes and visions of candy spurs kids and often the entire family into a fun-filled frenzy on Halloween night. But hidden dangers can be easily overlooked in the rush to celebrate.

Before Halloween fun begins, parents should take a moment to check for safety hazards and discuss the evenings dos and donts with their kids, says Krista Fabregas, founder of KidSmartLiving. In the rush to get out and celebrate, its easy for kids to forget or ignore safety basics, she says. The combination of darkness, excitement and Halloween mischief can decrease the safety of even the most familiar, secure neighborhoods.

Krista offers these tips to help parents keep fright-night fun from becoming a real scare:

10. Fill em up first: Send trick-or-treaters off with a full tummy so they wont be as tempted to eat candy before its inspected.

9. Follow safe Trick-or-Treating tactics: Accompany young children at all times and send older kids out in a group with strict route guidelines and curfews plus a charged mobile phone for emergencies. And dont forget flashlights or glow sticks for everyone, both to see and be seen.

8. Remember safety basics: Emphasize to kids that Halloween night is no different when it comes to safety. Avoid strangers and dark houses, stay on well-lighted streets on a pre-approved route, and take extra care when crossing streets.

7. Decorate with the littlest ghouls in mind: Make yard decorations safe for all. Secure electrical cords and strings out of reach, use glow sticks as light sources instead of candles, and make walkways clear and accessible. If creating a particularly scary haunted yard, consider including a less-scary area for younger trick-or-treaters.

6. Costume for comfort and safety: Dress kids in costumes that are temperature-appropriate, allow free range of vision and movement, and are easily seen in the dark. Accessories like swords, knives and fairy wands should be safely blunted and flexible to prevent injury.

5. Carve a safer Jack oLantern: Let little ones scoop the insides of the pumpkin and draw the face always the best designs but leave the carving to adults or older kids. Use glo-sticks in two or three colors instead of candles for a safer, spooky glow.

4. Inspect candy before eating: Discard candy with broken wrappers, that can be opened and resealed, or appears tampered with in any way. When handing out candy, include toddler-friendly goodies like lollipops, single-serving cookies or animal crackers in the candy bowl.

3. Keep pets inside all night: Its safer and less stressful for pets, pet owners and visitors.

2. Prepare for unexpected scares: Assemble a portable first aid kit to treat minor scrapes, burns and cuts, and include asthma and allergy medications.

1. Have a get-home plan: Whether trick-or-treating, attending a party, or stopping by the neighborhood carnival, have a plan that works for everyone in case of separation. Identify a meeting place if separated from the group, and attach parents names, address and phone numbers to younger kids clothing.

Krista Fabregas founded KidSmartLiving in 1999 to help busy parents create family-friendly homes and lifestyles. Visit KidSmartLiving online at www.kidsmartliving.com for kid-friendly home ideas and projects, child safety information and products dedicated to worry-free living.

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