THE FAIRMONT FIVE halloween safety

If you're a kid, Halloween is all about having fun! You dress up in silly costumes.  You eat lots of candy. You tromp around the neighborhood at night and, probably, get to stay up a little past bedtime too.  When your children are over-excited, as they are likely to be on Halloween night, rules about staying safe might drift away from their candy corn-crazed brains.  So, it helps to remind them of a few basics.  We like these tips for parents and kids from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

1. Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.  Carry a flashlight.
2. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
3. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys. Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
4. Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
5. A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

 Contributed by Danyelle


(Image from Microsoft Office clip art)