Halloween safety tips

4:31 p.m., Oct. 24, 2006--Before sending little ghosts, witches and mummies out the door this Halloween, talk to them about the importance of staying safe while trick or treating.

“From choosing a costume to choosing which houses to go to, the watch word for Halloween is 'caution,'” Mark Manno, state 4-H educator at UD, said.

Manno offers these tips for when the big night arrives:

Accompany children on their trick-or-treating rounds. Older children may balk at this, but let them know it's non-negotiable;
Review traffic safety rules before you depart;
Go only to houses of persons you know; and
Inspect treats at home before allowing children to eat them.

Many accidents are caused by unsafe costumes, Manno said. Check to see that costumes are made of flame-resistant materials and that hems are 3-4 inches off the ground. To make sure children will be visible after dark, choose brightly colored costumes and/or put reflective tape on the costumes.

Manno also recommended using make-up instead of masks or hoods, which can obstruct a child's vision.

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