Halloween Safety Month

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By Diane Forrest

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  I mean you can't dress up in silly costumes and get free candy on Thanksgiving or the 4th of July.  I remember the first time I was allowed to go out without my parents.  I went with several friends around my neighborhood, and then caused a little mischief with some toilet paper.  Almost got caught by the police that scared me into a life free from crime.  After we scored all the candy we could carry, we went to a midnight showing of a Dracula movie, which scared me to a life free from horror movies!!  That was the best Halloween ever, by the next Halloween we had moved to a different city, and I was stuck at home dishing out the candy.

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These days a night out trick or treating can be hazardous enough without a horror flick, and there are a few tips that you need to know and share to remain safe throughout the evening. These include:

FOR KIDS

• First and foremost, always only go to the houses that you know, make sure the candy is wrapped, and take it to the hospital for x-rays.
• Be careful crossing the street, cross at the light, or stop signs, and make sure that your costume don't hinder you movement or vision
• Be alert for barking  or loose dogs, do not try to make friends with them.
• Pay attention to your curfew and obey the rules set by your parents.  If you are able to drive, make sure you have plenty of gas so you don't get stranded.

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FOR ADULTS

• Check your city's sex offender website, and make sure you keep your kids away from those areas
• If your kids are old enough to go out alone, make sure you know what route they will be taking and have them call or text every hour with their location.  Have them go with friends, and not alone.
• Have a filling meal before they head out, so they won't be tempted to eat any candy before you can check it.
• Explain the laws about vandalism, and animal cruelty, and the consequence of each
• Make sure they know how to cross the street properly, and to not get in a car with strangers.
• Halloween can be a fun happy time for you and your children to share.  
• Make sure you take proper precautions for safety, and enjoy the fun of the night.  

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For more safety tips, view this website:  http://www.halloween-safety.com/halloween_safety_kids.html