October is the month for ghosts and goblins, so it’s never too early to start planning ahead for your child’s safety.  The only things on kids’ minds are treats, but adults need to keep safety in mind.  Safety experts with Texas Department of State Health Services recommend that before October 31st rolls around, parents start talking about Halloween safety to their children.  When you choose your child’s costume, it’s a good time to start thinking of their protection during this fun time.

Things for parents to be aware of when if they are driving their kids to Trick or Treat:

• Slow down

• Be careful entering and exiting your driveway

• Do not place children in the back of a pickup truck

• Watch for children darting from behind parked cars

Caution your little spooks to:

• Never accept rides from strangers or treats from anyone in cars, trucks

• Be careful around animals, even their own.  Costumes may scare some pets.

• Go only to houses with porch lights on

• Walk, don’t run!

• Look both ways when crossing streets

Parents should also:

• Accompany children age 12 and under

• Never let them go alone (if they are older, the buddy system works better!)

• See that their costumes are Flame Retardant

• Use reflective tape or reflective stickers to make them easily visible

• Choose light-colored costumes

• Have them carry a flashlight or glo stick.

• Know the routes their older children plan to take.

• Check their treats when they get home to be sure there are no unsafe surprises!

Pass these reminders on to others, in order for everyone to have a safe Halloween.