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Choose your child’s costume wisely by looking for a label that indicates flame-resistance on any costumes, wigs, and headpieces you purchase. If you’re making the costume yourself, examine the fabric content and talk the salesperson to help you choose the least flammable material.
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Hypoallergenic, non-toxic face paint is a better choice than a mask, which may obscure your child’s vision and hinder breathing ability.
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Be sure to avoid oversized costumes and shoes that can trip your child.
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Select light or bright colored costumes when possible. This makes it easier for drivers to spot trick-or-treaters. For costumes that have to be dark, attach reflective tape to the costume for visibility. A few strips on the back, front, and goodie bag should do the trick.
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Ensure your child’s emergency information (name, number, and address) are somewhere on his clothes or on a bracelet if you’re not going to be with him/her.
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Choose accessories that are smooth and flexible. Look for swords, knives, and other accessories that don’t look too realistic or have sharp ends or points.
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Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Yes, some will want to begin immediately so please be sure they are aware that waiting is part of the process.
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The signs of candy that has been tampered with or could be dangerous are as follows:An unusual appearance or discoloration
Tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers
Spoiled or unwrapped items
Homemade items or baked goods should be discarded unless you personally know who gave them.
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Tell children not to accept — and, especially, not to eat–anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.
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Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys.
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Remember, when it doubt THROW IT OUT! (If you have questions about possibly tainted candy you can also contact the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 or your local police department for assistance.
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A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
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Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
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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.
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Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
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Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters:
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Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
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Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
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Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
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Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
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If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
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Never cut across yards or use alleys.
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Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
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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!
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Your friends at Close Range Safety Training Academy