Kids love Halloween!
They get to dress up and get free candy! What a perfect day! But students -- and parents -- should remember the following tips when they start knocking on doors the night of Oct. 31.
* Plan your route ahead of time.
* Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
* Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
* Wear identification that's easy to read.
* Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
* Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
* Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
* Walk, don't run
* Don't trample through flower beds and gardens.
* Watch out for open flames in Jack-o-Lanterns.
* Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
* Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
* Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
* Carry a spare Halloween bag, in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
* Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
* Don't cut across yards and stay out of backyards.
* Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
* Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
* Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
* Never accept rides from strangers.
* Respect other people and their property.
* Be polite and say "thank you."
* Don't eat any candy until it's inspected under bright lights.
* Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
* Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
* Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
* Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.
* BE SAFE AND FOLLOW ALL PRECAUTIONS
-Nurse Karen Allen