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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, October 17, 2005

How to avoid a nightmarish Halloween

Gannett News Service

Halloween doesn't have to be scary, as long as parents and kids know how to stay safe. Here are some tips for trick-or-treating and for having a party at home:

AT HOME

  • Eat dinner before trick-or-treating to avoid temptation to eat the candy while collecting it.

  • Wait until you get home so your parents can check the candy before you eat it.

  • Save only factory-wrapped treats. Throw anything away that is not wrapped, including fruit, homemade candy or baked goods.

  • Never eat candy that has an open or ripped wrapper.

    WHILE YOU'RE OUT

  • Wear costumes that are easy to walk in, see in and be seen in.

  • Add reflective tape to be better seen in the dark.

  • Use makeup instead of a mask so you can see well.

  • Choose comfortable shoes for walking.

  • Make sure swords, knives and other costume accessories are made of soft, flexible material.

  • Wear a flame-retardant costume.

  • Don't play near lit jack-o'-lanterns.

  • Trick or treat in early evening hours.

  • Pick well-lighted streets.

  • Walk on sidewalks and driveways, and facing oncoming traffic in areas without sidewalks. Don't cut across lawns.

  • Cross streets at corners or in a crosswalk.

  • Carry a flashlight.

  • Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood and visit the homes of people you know.

  • Never trick-or-treat alone. An adult should supervise younger children.

  • Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is.

  • Take a cellular phone, if possible, in case you get separated from your group.

  • Visit houses only where the lights are on.

  • Be wary of strangers.

  • Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.

  • Be sure to say, "Thank you."

    FOR ADULTS

  • Pin a slip of paper with your young child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case he or she is separated from the group.

  • Look out for choking hazards for small children. Remove gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys from the treat bag before you allow your youngster to have the treats.

  • Save homemade treats for parties. For safety, give factory-wrapped candy to trick-or-treaters.

  • Know your teen's Halloween plans or offer to supervise a party at your house. Emphasize that some pranks can damage property or hurt people.

  • Drive slowly through neighborhoods and be watch for children in the streets.

  • Clear your yard of hazards that might trip trick-or-treaters. Light the area well.

  • Consider fire safety when decorating. Don't overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting, don't block exit doors and keep candles away from trick-or-treaters.

  • Keep pets in a separate room, not in the backyard, so they won't be frightened by strangers in costume at the front door.

    PARTY IDEAS

  • Grab a piece of plywood, cut a head-sized hole and paint a pumpkin or ghost on it. As guests arrive, take their pictures.

  • Use the same board for a beanbag toss.

  • Let kids make musical instruments out of boxes, paper towel rolls and empty coffee cans.

  • Sit in a circle and make up a ghost story by having each guest add to the story until it reaches a scary ending.

  • Serve punch in a large, hollowed-out pumpkin. Take a plastic glove, fill with water and freeze. Throw it in the pumpkin to keep the punch cold.

  • Ask each guest to bring a carved pumpkin. Have a contest.