Drivers:

• Be vigilant of children darting out from between parked vehicles.
• Be watchful of children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Follow all road signs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• As it gets darker outside, be cautious of children dressed in dark clothing.

Parents:

• Accompany children at all times.
• If your home is expecting trick-or-treaters, remove any obstacles that can injure a child from lawns, steps and porches.
• Candlelit jack-o’-lanterns should be kept away from doorsteps, decorations, curtains and other furnishings that can catch fire.
• Discuss and plan the route you intend to take.
• Designate a meeting place where all parents and trick-or-treaters can converge.
• Inform your children about stopping at homes or apartments that are well-lit and to never enter a stranger’s home or accept rides from a stranger.
• Before allowing children to eat their candy, inspect it for evidence of tampering or for choking hazards. Avoid homemade treats.

Costumes:

• Costumes should be flame-resistant.
• Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be soft and flexible.
• Reflective tape should be put onto costumes and bags to make children more visible to drivers at night.
• Costumes must be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
• Children should wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes.
• If a child is going to wear cosmetics, test the makeup in a small area first.
• If wearing a mask, ensure that the mask is securely fit and has eyeholes that allow full vision.

Trick-or-Treaters:

• Carry a flashlight if you are walking at night to easily see and be seen.
• Do not enter a home or apartment unless accompanied by an adult.
• Walk, not run when going from house to house. Additionally, be careful not to run out from between parked vehicles, or on lawns and yards with uneven terrain or unseen objects.
• Walk on sidewalks when possible. If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street and use crosswalks when possible.
• MDFR wishes parents and children a fun and safe Halloween. For more information, please contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.