Here are a few safety tips from the City of Worthington Division of Fire & EMS, that can protect children who plan to go trick-or-treating this Halloween:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.
• Make sure that shoes fit well, and that the costumes are short enough to prevent tripping and falling.
• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup, or a decorative hat, as a safe alternative.
• When shopping for costumes, ONLY pick those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts (this is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home smoke detectors)!
• Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway; check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children going from house to house.
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child.
• All children should walk, not run, from house to house and use sidewalks, if available. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street, facing cars.
• Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on, as a sign of welcome.
• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered - no treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by adults at home.

We wish you a safe and Happy Halloween

Additional online resources:

• Halloween-safety
• Mother's Complete Guide to Halloween Safety
• Halloween magazine
• Spookmaster.com