Kidsguide Magazine Online
Oct. 9, 2009

Ghost or goblin? Fairy princess or Frankenstein monster? There's plenty to look forward to when it comes to Halloween festivities, be it shopping for costumes, decorating your home or getting "BOOed.” But it’s always good to keep safety in the forefront of your mind. Local law enforcement agencies weigh in on the ways your family can keep Halloween a treat by following some simple safety tricks.

Planning on turning your home into an elaborate haunted house? If your decor includes temporary structural improvements, check with your local city hall to determine if you need a permit or pay a fee.

Send a sign that you’ll welcome trick-or-treaters. Place a pumpkin within sight of the sidewalk area with your porch light turned on.

Treats are for kids. Feeling organized? Get together with neighbors (and kids) in creating signs for each nearby street corner that indicate trick-or-treating is for kids and the hours during which candies will be passed out. (Long Beach Police Department recommends a 5-7:30 p.m. time window.)

Stay bright. Plan costumes that are bright and reflective, advises the Los Angeles Fire Department. Or, consider adding a reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Also, think about discretely adding emergency identification in the costume or on a bracelet.

Safety first. Teach kids their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 should they have an emergency or become lost. Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.

Before the kids dig into their candies have an adult inspect the treats before they’re eaten, cautions the Orange County chapter of the American Red Cross. Don’t eat the candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.