For young children, Halloween night is one of the best of the year.

For young children, Halloween night is one of the best of the year. But trick-or-treating can be dangerous if kids and parents aren’t careful. Take a look at some vital trick-or-treating tips before you accompany your child.

There are five basic reasons why children are more likely to be hurt in pedestrian accidents:

1. They often choose to take the shortest route, which may mean darting out between parked
2. They’re poor at evaluating potential traffic threats.
3. They have a tendency to believe they’re indestructible and are more likely to take risks.
4. They need to be told that some people driving cars will not slow down for them.
5. They may be distracted by other children’s costumes, behaviors, and home decorations.

Here are some important Halloween safety tips that every parent should know:

• Purchase or make Halloween costumes from flame-resistant materials.
• Pick brightly colored costumes or add your own reflective tape so motorists can see them.
• Attach your child’s name, address, and phone number somewhere inside the costume.
• An adult should always accompany children under age 12.
• To avoid tripping, make sure your child’s costume is not too long, and that shoes are the proper         size.
• Use washable face paint instead of masks so your child’s vision isn’t compromised.
• Plan the route your children are going to take, especially if they’re going out unsupervised.
• Teach your children never to respond to a driver or pedestrian that calls out to them.
• Provide your children with a healthy meal ahead of time, so they don’t get hungry before returning home.
• Make sure your children don’t eat any candy or food without checking with you first.
• Keep your walkway free of debris so that children coming to your house won’t trip or fall.
• Make sure your children have flashlights, especially if they’re staying out after dark.
• Don’t hand out candy that could be a possible choking hazard to younger children.
• Teach your children to stay on the sidewalks and cross only at corners.
• Teach your children to look, listen and be aware of cars not stopping at corners.
• Teach your children to only go to houses with porch lights on and to never enter anyone’s house.

Happy Halloween!!!!

For more information visit:

MissingKids.com

Halloween Tips-keep your ghosts and goblins safe.