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5 Halloween Safety Tips for Young Trick or Treaters 1. Plan a route in advance Avoid long paths by mapping out a route and stick to ones you and your child are familiar with. 2. Use the buddy system If your older child is venturing out without you, make sure that he or she will be with at least a few friends the entire night. 3. Stay on the sidewalk Make sure your kids are following basic safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the street. 4. Carefully check candy Throw away any candy th

10 Halloween safety tips offered by Red Cross Georgia

By
  • Tim Darnell, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Organization wants to keep kids safe during the scary, fun season

ATLANTA — 

Fast becoming one of the most popular holidays in this country, Halloween is just days away. This means masses of little super heroes, cartoon and television characters will soon be out in their neighborhoods for trick-or-treat fun. 

The American Red Cross of Georgia has 10 tips parents and guardians can follow to help make Halloween 2019 fun and safe.

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1. Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen. Use face makeup instead of masks, which make seeing difficult. Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing. 

2. Use flame-resistant costumes. 

3. Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door. 

4. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs. 

5. Walk, don’t run. 

6. Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door; never go inside. 

7. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars. And drivers should use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing. 

8. A grown-up should check the goodies before eating. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with. 

If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps: 

9. Light the area well so young visitors can see. 

10. Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

RELATED: Celebrate Halloween at these metro Atlanta bars and restaurants

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