Hand out some Halloween safety

Few things get kids more excited than Halloween, and what’s not to love? Between the costumes and the candy, Halloween is a time for fun. But both kids and parents need to keep safety in mind.

C is for costumes

Choosing a costume? The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips for parents:

• Look for costumes that are bright and reflective, and short enough to ensure your child won’t trip or become entangled. If your child insists on a costume that isn’t reflective, add reflective tape to it or the trick-or-treat bag.
• Masks can limit your child’s vision, so try some nontoxic makeup instead.
• If the costume calls for a wig, make sure it’s flame resistant. Likewise, if a costume includes a sword or cane, check that it’s not too long or sharp.
• Don’t use decorative contact lenses unless you have a prescription for them. Wearing non-prescription lenses can “cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss,” the AAP warns.

T is for trick or treat

Ready to start knocking on doors, kids? Follow these tips from the AAP:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• Bring flashlights to see and be seen.
• If you’re old enough to trick or treat with just your friends, first sit down with your parents and plan a route for the group, as well as an agreed-upon time for you to be back home. Someone in the group should carry a cellphone.
• Always use the sidewalk, and only cross the street as a group in crosswalks. Don’t cross the street between parked cars.
• Drivers may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters, so be extra careful.