ü Confine household pets from an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Make sure your pets are wearing collars with proper identification tags.
Adults ü Remind all house hold drivers to be cautious and drive slowly for the night. ü Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver. (For all occasions!) üParents who go out should let their children know where they can be contacted at. ü Consider using chemical light sticks or battery powered lanterns while collecting your treats. (Even regular flashlights would be good! Don’t forget about new batteries.)	Pumpkin Carving ü Don’t allow young children to do pumpkin carving. ü If planning to light your pumpkin, small votive candles are the safest. ü Make sure pumpkin is placed on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable material. ü As a alternative to pumpkin carving, paint a face on the pumpkin with poster paint. (Add yarn for hair and a hat. Place on a old pair of shoes.)
With these tips and the help from everyone, The City of Frederick Safety Dept. hopes you have a Safe and Happy Halloween!!	Before Halloween
Safety Tips	ü Plan costumes that are light-colored or reflective. Also check and make sure that they are labeled “Fire Resistant”. ü Purchase only flexible knives, swords and other props. (Only if they are really needed.) ü Make sure shoes fit well. (Even if they don’t go with your costume!) ü Add reflective tape to your Trick or Treat bags, brooms, bikes, skateboards, etc...
Before Trick or Treating	After Trick or Treating ü Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Make sure the treats are safely sealed with no signs of tampering, such as small pinholes, loose or torn packages, and packages that appear to have been taped or glued back together. ü Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween. ü Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking are giving to those of appropriate age.
ü Make sure your children eat a good meal before setting out. ü Remind children that 9-1-1 can be called from any pay phone, FREE!! Make sure children take some change to call home in case they lose their way or need help. ü Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time. ü Review with you children the Stop-Drop-Roll procedure in case their costumes come in contact with open fires or candles. ü Go over with your children where and who they will be Trick or Treating. Set a time limit. Have them stay in the neighborhood. ü Young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult. ü Remind children about the dangers of strangers and animals. ü Remind children to stay on sidewalks and to obey traffic signals. ü Advise children to Trick or Treat at houses that are lit. ü Accept treats at the door. (NEVER go inside!)	Homeowners ü Make sure that you yard is clear of such things as ladders, dog leashes, hoses, flower pots, etc... ü Try using battery powered Jack O’ lanterns. ü Place pumpkin’s with real candles out of harms way of the Trick or Treaters ü Try giving nonfood treats: plastic rings, pencils, stickers, coins, etc... Or maybe healthy treats: fruit rolls, raisins, etc...