By: Shivania Bhattarai/American Red Cross

As Halloween approaches, the American Red Cross encourages families across North Texas to take steps now to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. A few simple precautions can make all the difference in helping families, trick-or-treaters and neighborhoods celebrate safely.

Create a Safe Environment for Trick-or-Treaters

• Before the festivities begin, make sure everyone knows how to call 911 and where to find a first aid kit. Parents and caregivers should also have emergency contact information readily available.
• Keep your porch, walkway and entry area well lit.
• Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
• Remove any obstacles that could cause slips, trips or falls, such as decorations or extension cords.
• Keep candles and other open flames away from costumes, paper decorations and other flammable materials. Consider using battery-operated candles or lights.
• Check on neighbors, older adults and people with disabilities who may need assistance preparing for Halloween activities.
• Drivers should use extra caution, especially after dark. Children may be excited and forget to look both ways before crossing the street, and many costumes can be difficult to see at night.

Ensure Your Child’s Costume is Safe

• Use face makeup instead of masks whenever possible.
• Choose light-colored clothing if you can.
• Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags.
• Select flame-resistant costumes and wigs.
• Avoid costumes with long, trailing fabric that could cause trips and falls.
• Skip decorative contact lenses to help prevent eye injuries.
• If carving pumpkins, use battery-operated lights or glow sticks instead of candles.

Be Visible and Stay Alert

• Accompany young children while trick-or-treating.
• If older children go out on their own, plan their route and establish a specific return time.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
• If there are no sidewalks, walk on the edge of the road facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Never cross between parked cars, cut across yards or use alleys.
• Carry a flashlight to help light the way.
• Walk, don't run.
• Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
• Inspect all treats before they are eaten. Remove loose candy, discard opened packages and eliminate any potential choking hazards. For children with food allergies or dietary restrictions, carefully review ingredient labels before allowing them to enjoy treats. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Many Halloween treats, especially chocolate and certain candies, can be toxic to animals. Keep all treats out of your pets' reach.