Halloween is upon us and the children are thinking, “What should I be for Halloween? Should I be a monster, an angel, princess, a firefighter, or a police officer?” Whatever the answer is the most important thing the child should be is safe. Here are some safety tips for choosing a costume, trick or treating and home decorations, as well as trick or treaters’ manners.

 Trick - or - Treaters' Safety Tips

•        Have a costume that can be seen in the dark. If your costume cannot be seen in the dark, use some reflective tape or a flashlight.

•        If you find that it is hard to see or move in your costume, let your parents or adult supervision know so that they can make the proper adjustments.

•        Stay with your parents or adult supervision do not run ahead.

•        If you are old enough to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, stay in groups and make sure, your parents know your route and have a way of getting a hold of you.

•        Trick-or-treat in a neighborhood that is known to you and only go to the houses that have a light on.

•        Walk on the sidewalks; do not cut through yards or driveways.

•        Do not eat your treats unless, your parents have inspected them.

•        Do not enter any strangers’ homes.

•        Stay away from any animals.

Parents' Safety Tips

•        Go over the safety rules with your children before going out trick-or-treating. The sooner you begin going over the safety rules, the better the children will do in following them.

•        Make sure your children have dinner before going out. They will be less tempted to eat the treats if they are well fed.

•        A trusted adult should supervise all young children. The children will follow the example of their supervision, not the rules.

•        When picking out a costume for your child make sure that:\

  •       It is flame-retardant.

  •       Your child can move freely with it on.

  •       It does not obstruct their vision.

  •       It can be seen in the dark.

  •       Any props such as knives, swords, etc. should be flexible to avoid injuries.

•        An adult should inspect all treats. If anything looks questionable throw it away.

•        If your children are older and go out on their own:

  •       You should know where they are going.

  •       Have a method of contacting them.

  •       Your children should have a method of contacting you.

  •      You should have a specified time that they should arrive home.

Homeowners' Safety Tips

•        Make sure that your yard is clear of obstructions and you have a clear path for the children.

•        Have your pets in a place that they do not get frightened and that your pet does not frighten the children.

•        Make sure that any Halloween props you have are set up in a safe manner:

  •       If you are using anything electrical, make sure that the wires are properly covered so no one will trip on them.

  •      If you are using candles make sure that they are set up in a place so the children's costumes or any other props will not catch on fire and no one will get burned.

•        Choose treats that are completely sealed to give to the children. If you are looking for a healthier choice of treats, you can find single serving size treats that are completely sealed such as popcorn, cereal, crackers, etc. You also have the option of giving non-food treats, such as stickers, pencils, party goods, etc.

Trick - or - Treaters' Manners

•        Use respect by saying thank you to the homeowner giving out treats.

•        Use respect, self-control and self-discipline when a homeowner holds out a basket of candy: only take the amount of candy that you are told to take. If the homeowner does not say how much to take, only take one.

•        Use self-discipline by following the safety rules without having to be reminded.

•        Use respect for the homeowner by walking on the sidewalk.

•        Use self-control by not eating your treats when an adult has not inspected your treats.

•        Use respect, self-control and self-discipline by staying away from the homeowners' Halloween decorations.

These safety tips are compliments of Academy of Kempo Martial Arts. For a printout of this information and a special Halloween Treat visit www.academyofkempo.com, or you may call the Academy at 203 288-9990. Have Fun and Be Safe.

THE ADVISOR        OCTOBER 25, 2011        PAGE 21

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