TFI Offers Halloween Safety Tips to Nearby Communities

The spookiest day of the year is quickly approaching and you're probably already on your way to being knee deep in pumpkins, costumes, candy and creating great Halloween memories for your child.

While Halloween is a highly anticipated occasion, TFI: The Family Initiative would like to give families with young children some top tips for a fun and safe Halloween.

• Enhance visibility.  Choose costumes that are visible at night so drivers can see them in the dark.  Having kids carry a flashlight or wear glow-in-the-dark bracelets, or other reflective gear, is also a smart way to make sure your child is easy to see.
• Clear eyes.  Not only should your child be visible, but they should also be able to see everything around them.  Make sure the eye holes in their masks are wide enough.  Or, better yet, paint their face using kid-friendly, glow-in-the-dark face paint.
• Stay together.  Don't allow kids under 13 to walk alone.  Make sure to trick-or- treat in groups with adequate adult-to-child ratio.  And, have kids older than 13 go with buddies.
• Look twice.  Teach your kids to look left, right and left again before crossing at street corners.  Don't let your kids cross between parked cars.  Encourage kids to use the sidewalk when possible.  Drivers should also look twice, slow down, and be extra cautious on Halloween night.
• Inspect candy.  Have children avoid eating candy until you've had the chance to inspect it first.