Sedona AZ (October 30, 2013) – On Halloween night as we trick or treat, many of us will be walking and or driving on dark streets. Remember that little ghosts and goblins will be excitedly anticipating the fun of giving and receiving and may forget to practice safety rules. Be vigilant drivers and parents! It is everyone’s responsibility to keep our children safe from harm.

Here are a few Halloween safety tips and reminders as we prepare for the holiday with supplies, costumes, and flashlights: 

• The costume should allow the child or adult to be visible at all times. Consider attaching battery powered lights as a costume decoration!

• Check the flammability rating of any costume before its purchase or use material that resists burning when planning and making costumes.

• Be careful with children and costumes around fires, candles or other heat sources.

• Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop that it is a prop and not a real weapon. Items such as pretend swords, knives, or pitchforks should have smooth tips and be flexible so not to cause injury – neon colored is best. NEVER allow children to carry real weapons.

• Use caution when carrying any fake firearms as today’s plastic guns are realistic in appearance and can be easily mistaken for a real weapon! NEVER point a play gun at anyone – it’s not funny, it’s not smart, and it’s not play. 

• The costume should be highly visible at night.

• Consider purchasing extra batteries for light sources that will be used for outside Halloween activities – recharge your flashlights or put in new batteries.

• Consider using LED lights and glow sticks in pumpkins and other similar devices instead of candles.

• Consider alternative activities if door to door trick or treating will take you to strangers homes or neighborhoods – go to a club, church or town sponsored event.

Check the SedonaEye.com Calendar for daily events.

Have a fun Halloween! Be safe out there!