How to Trick-or-Treat Safely

Trick-or-treating can be loads of fun for kids, but it can also make them easy targets. Here are a few things for kids to remember on All Saints' Eve.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Masks
• Adult Halloween Costumes
• Flashlights
• Children's Flashlights
• Trick Or Treat Bags
• Safety Lights
• Kids' Costumes

1. Go in a group accompanied by at least one adult, and carry a flashlight.

2. Obey all traffic laws, cross streets only at crosswalks and walk on the sidewalk at all times.

3. Visit only well-lit homes with porch lights and/or other exterior lights on.

4. Wear costumes that are flame-resistant, and make sure costumes do not drag or otherwise pose the threat of tripping you.

5. Put reflective tape on costumes to make them visible to drivers at night.

6. Make sure you can see where you are going if you are wearing a mask.

7. Stand away from jack-o'-lanterns that contain candles, and never go into a home unless you know the occupants well and the adult accompanying you goes in also.

8. Make sure everyone stays in the group and stragglers don't get left behind.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider going trick-or-treating before dark.

• Form a "trick-or-treat" group of people from your church or school. Go to those homes only, or have a trick-or-treat party in the parking lot of the church or school, with each family offering treats out of a decorated car or van.

• Some hospitals will X-ray the contents of trick-or-treat bags for foreign objects as a community service.

• Do not eat candy while trick-or-treating. Bring it home, inspect all the items and throw away any previously opened or otherwise suspicious treats.