Now that the weather has turned cooler and fall has officially begun, we start to think about upcoming holidays. Halloween is a great time for the whole family to have fun and participate in many traditions that surround that day. While there is certainly much fun and enjoyment to be had, it’s always best to keep certain safety tips in mind when it comes to costumes, candy, cars and children.

When looking for a costume, try to choose one that is a trip-free length, and, while masks are fun, Halloween face makeup is much easier to see through than an ill-fitting plastic mask. And safe, comfortable shoes are important for any costumed character.

If you plan on being out Halloween night, please exercise extreme caution while driving. There will be plenty of excited children running around, possibly with impaired vision due to masks or costumes. Please watch closely, from backing out of your driveway until you reach your destination.

For those serving trick-or-treaters, please remember to leave your porch lights and any other exterior lights illuminated. Also, keep your pets away from the front door area, so children won’t get scared or intimidated. And, please, make sure to report any suspicious or possibly criminal activity to local law enforcement.

It can be difficult for children to remember all the important safety precautions on Halloween that we practice routinely the rest of the year. However, there are things we have to remember. Please tell young trick-or-treaters to follow to a few simple rules. Only cross streets at corners and never from between parked cars. Look in all directions before walking across streets. Use traffic signals, if possible. Don’t cut through neighbor’s yards, alleys or parks. And please, never enter someone’s home, it’s better to wait on the porch or at the front door.

Please remind children not to eat any candy or treats during the trick-or-treating frenzy. Instead, bring everything home so it can be examined for possible tampering. In today’s world, homemade or unwrapped treats could possibly be unsafe, so for everyone’s well-being, those should be disposed.  

These common sense safety tips will go a long way to ensure children and parents alike have an enjoyable Halloween. By keeping Halloween both safe and fun, traditions can be upheld and memories made.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.