Tips for making Halloween fun and safer

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With witches, goblins and super-heroes descending on neighborhoods across Arizona, the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter, offers parents some safety tips to help prepare children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday.

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Decorations at Brian and Kathy Perry’s home, at the intersection of Van Loo and Chambers in Rancho El Dorado, will provide a real Halloween treat.

Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep events safer and more fun.

· Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.
· Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.
· Cross the street only at corners. Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
· Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too!)
· Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.
· Carry a flashlight to light your way.
· Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable.)
· Visit homes that have the porch light on.
· Accept your treats at the door, and never go into a stranger’s house.
· Use face paint rather than masks that will cover your eyes.
· Be cautious of animals and strangers.

Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. Don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.