![Tips for a Safe Halloween](http://townsquare.media/site/171/files/2015/10/halloween.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Tips for a Safe Halloween
The Texarkana, Ark., Police Department has some tips to make sure your children have a safe Halloween this year.
Motorists are urged to be especially alert on Halloween.
- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
Before children start out on their "trick or treat" rounds, parents should:
- Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under the age of 12.
- Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.
- Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
- Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
- Establish a return time.
- Tell your youngsters not to eat any treats until they return home.
- Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
- Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.
- Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
- Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
- Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
- If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Strips of reflective tape should be used to make children visible.
- Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Use facial makeup instead.
- When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow manufacturer's instruction for application.
- If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
- Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
- Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.
- Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.
Children should understand and follow these rules:
- Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
- Walk, do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
- Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
To ensure a safe trick-or-treat outing, parents are urged to:
- Give children an early meal before going out.
- Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
- Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Any questions concerning Halloween safety may be directed to the Public Affairs Office of the Texarkana, Ark., Police Dept. at (903)798-3187.
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