It's the time of year for costumes, sweets, and tricks and treats.
Put Halloween safety first with these common-sense tips.
Carve Safely: Before you start carving pumpkins, consider these Halloween safety rules:
Decorate with markers, glitter glue or paint. Let young children draw faces on pumpkins with art supplies. Leave any carving to an adult.
Use candles with care. Place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave candlelit pumpkins unattended. Better yet, light pumpkins with flashlights, battery-operated flameless candles or glow sticks instead.
Get clever with costumes: From furry animals to princesses and superheroes, choosing costumes wisely is an important part of Halloween safety. Follow these tips:
The brighter the better. Whether you buy a costume or make one yourself, choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials. If your child will be trick-or-treating outdoors after dark, attach reflective tape to his or her costume or treat bag.
Size it right. In case it's chilly outdoors, make sure your child's costume is loose enough for warm clothing to be worn underneath — but not long enough to cause tripping. Avoid oversized shoes and high heels.
Skip the masks. A mask can obstruct your child's vision, especially if it slips out of place. Use kid-friendly, non-toxic makeup instead.
Limit accessories. Pointed props — such as wands, swords and knives — might pose safety hazards.