All Treats, No Tricks.

It’s that spooky, ghostly, ghouling time of year. Booo!

It’s time to turn on your imagination and turn off the lights. To pull out the chest of miscellaneous hats and masks and start up the sewing machine. Halloween is a fun holiday for the whole family and a fantastic way to spend time with your family and neighbors. To me, it’s one of the greatest acts of community engagement we have each year.

We love Halloween here at the Prevention Center. There are rumblings around the office of who’s dressing up as what, and we’re preparing for our annual Halloween Party (you’re invited! Join us Saturday, October 29 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.).

As we all prepare to say Trick-or-Treat, let’s first review a few safety rules to ensure it’s a safe and fun day for everyone. Here’s what we think you should know:

Prepare Children Before Trick-or-Treating

• Never allow children to Trick-or-Treat alone.
• Young children should be with you or another trusted adult.
• Older children should use the buddy system.
• Write down your full name and phone number, and make sure your child keeps it with them.
• Have your child carry a glow stick or flashlight.
• Make a plan of where to meet or who to call if your child gets lost.
• Discuss with your child how to cross the street safely.
• Remind your child not to approach a car unless he / she is with you.
• Remind your child that he / she shouldn’t go into a house without your permission.
• Warn your child not to approach a house that isn’t well lit.
• Warn your child to scream and run away from anyone who tries to grab him / her or lure him / her with special treats.

Be a Part of Your Child’s Experience

• Go with young children to the door of every house they approach.
• Plan your child’s Trick-or-Treating route, and try to make sure you are familiar with the area and the neighbors.
• Caution children to report strange incidents to a trusted adult.
• Try to inspect all treats before your child eats them, and dispose of anything opened, damaged, or that looks off.

Costume Safety

• Have your child wear costumes or masks that are marked as flame resistant.
• Make sure your child is able to see and breathe properly when wearing a mask.

Now, go forth, navigate those haunted houses, yell boo!, and compete for most candy collected. Oh, what’s your costume? Share a picture on Facebook!