Motorists:

• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parents:

• Make sure that an adult will be supervising the outing for children.
• Plan and discuss the route you intend to follow.
• Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas along established routes.
• Talk to your children about stopping only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and to never enter a stranger’s home.
• Inspect all candy before your children eat it. Do not let children eat candy that is already open. Keep hard candy away from young children since it is a choking hazard.

Costumes and Accessories:

• Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
• Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. Falls are the leading cause of injury during Halloween.
• If children will be out after dark, strips of reflective tape should be used to make them more visible.
• Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup.
• All children and adults should carry a flashlight. This will help you see better and be seen more clearly.

Trick-or-treating:

• Do not enter homes and apartments without adult supervision.
• Walk, do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross the street only at corners.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.