September 2000, Our Visit to the Austin Zoo

A Safe Halloween

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Halloween can be a fun time for families.  Whether you are attending a fall harvest party, going on a hay ride or going trick or treating, there are many exciting things happening.  To help you enjoy a safe Halloween, we listed some helpful hints.

Trick or Treating?

Tips for Parents

Expecting Trick or Treaters?

Many recreation centers and churches offer fall festivals as a safe alternative to trick-or-treating.  Check your local newspaper for details.

Trick or Treating Tips

Choose a costume that allows you to walk easily and cannot trip you.
Wear comfortable shoes that fit well.
Any costume props should be flexible.
Paint your face instead of wearing a mask, which may limit your vision.
If you do wear a mask, remove it as you walk between houses.
Make sure you can be seen at night:  wear a light colored costume or reflective tape.
Plan out a safe trick or treat path ahead of time.
Go with a parent, adult, or a group of friends.
Plan on visiting only neighborhoods that are well-know to you.
Visit only people you know.
If a house is dark, move on to the next well-lit house.
Say please and thank you to each treater.
Attempt to leave early, so you can finish before dark.
Take along a flashlight and a watch you can see in the dark,  just in case.
When traveling from house to house, walk!  Try to walk like the character you have chosen.
Walk on sidewalks, if possible.
If no sidewalk is available, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
Do not walk through yards or driveways.
Look both ways before crossing any streets.
Do not enter a strangers house.
Let your parents check all treats, before you eat them.

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Tips for Parents

Children should eat before setting out trick or treating.
Make sure your children have a few quarters, so they can call home.
Young children should be joined by an adult.
Only flame retardant costumes should be worn.
Make sure older children know how to contact you and what time to be home.
All treats need to be inspected to make sure they are correctly wrapped.  While treat tampering does not occur often, check to be sure.  If it looks suspicious, toss it.

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Expecting Trick or Treaters?

Pick up any yard items that could trip a child.
Make sure trick or treaters have a well-lit path.
Make sure candy is individually wrapped.
Use battery operated jack-o-lanterns.  If candles are used, be sure they are set well away from the path of trick or treaters.  Also, make sure they are placed away from paper decorations.

Drivers:  Use extreme caution and drive slowly.  If you will be drinking, assign a designated driver.

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This page was last updated:      Wednesday, March 14, 2001