Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT
Happy Halloween! This time of the year people dress cute, friendly, sexy, and scary. It’s the time for you to act wild and crazy and have fun but most of all- collect lots of candy. As a child, I remember the thrill was to see who could collect the most candy in their bag. However, being outside going door to door can be a safety risk as well. Here are some safety tips to follow. Remember… HAVE FUN & BE SAFE!
S Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
A Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
E Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
H Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
A Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
L Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
L Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
W Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
E Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
E Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
N Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
* Safety tips provided by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.