As Halloween approaches, many agencies are offering tips to trick-or-treaters on how to have a safe and happy holiday. Below are suggestions from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Federal Drug Administration and the Indiana Poison Center: Costumes • Wear only costumes that are fire safe and easy to see in the dark. • Keep away from candles or open fires and campfires while wearing costumes. • Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape for better visibility, and make sure costumes aren’t so long they will cause tripping. • Wear makeup and hats rather than masks that obscure vision. • Test makeup by putting a small amount on the arm a couple of days in advance. If a rash, redness or swelling occurs, you may have an allergy. • Use only makeup that is FDA approved. • Don’t wear decorative contact lenses unless you have seen an eye care professional and had a proper lens fitting. • Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props. Trick-or-treating • Eat dinner before setting out for the night. • Trick-or-treat in only familiar, well-lit areas. • Only visit homes that have the porch light or Halloween lights on. • Younger children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult. • Don’t go inside houses without a parent. • Discard all unwrapped or improperly wrapped candy. • Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys. • Only eat homemade treats if they are from someone you know and trust. • Don’t accept treats from people in vehicles and do not get into anyone’s car. • Watch for traffic and look both ways before crossing the street. • Use a flashlight rather than a candle inside Jack-o-Lanterns. • Carry a flashlight or glow stick to light your way in the dark. • Never play near a Jack-o-Lantern. • Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars. • Stay on sidewalks and don’t cut across yards or driveways. For more information or with questions, call KCSD at 574-267-5667, visit www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates or call the Indiana Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
