The American Red Cross offers these tips parents to keep the kids safe this Halloween. They include:
• When choosing costumes, use face makeup instead of masks, which can make seeing difficult and avoid long trailing fabric. Add reflective tape to costumes and bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
• A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
• Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
• Walk, don’t run. Stay on sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalks, use the edge of the road, facing traffic.
• Only visit homes with a porch light on. Accept treats at the door. Never go inside.
• Look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, cut across yards or use alleys.
• Grown-ups check all goodies before eating. Remove any loose candy, open packages and choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
Patterson and Offerman to observe trick or treat Thursday, Oct. 30. from 5:30-8 p.m.
