“Crosby, Monday is Halloween – what are you gong to be this year?”

“How about a cat, Buddy?”

“No, Crosby – you have to think of a character you want to be and have Mom make you a costume. Then Dad will take us out to go door-to-door to get cat treats and candy!”

“Here’s a bunch I saw on the commuter that are from Petsmart and Petco that we can choose from! I want to be the Cowboy or the Lion so I can have a mane & long hair like you do. Pick one, Crosby!”

“Maybe the Strongman or Policeman, Buddy. But I’m not gong to be the girl even though it looks a little like me in the picture!”

“Crosby, Mom is going to read this article to us while she makes our costumes. She says it will be safer for us to dress up and stay home to help Dad pass out treats to everyone that comes to our house. Hope they like cat treats!!

Enjoy reading the complete Halloween Safety Guide: Illustrated Safety Guide For Parents and Trick or Treaters originally printed in USA Today here. Portions of the article appear below. Credits appear in link to article. https://share.newsbreak.com/24t69fg1

Parents and children should be aware of their surroundings. Children are three times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night of the year. Drivers can be distracted by activity on the streets.

Trick-or-treaters: Cross at crosswalks only. Before crossing into any street, check for traffic. If you see a vehicle, make eye contact with the driver before crossing.

Drivers: Be cautious while exiting driveways, alleys and parking lots. Be sure to be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters in crosswalks. Look left, right and left again.

Make costumes fun and safe –
Halloween costumes should fit properly and allow your child to move comfortably. Avoid costumes that can impair children’s vision or trip them. They should be able to walk, talk and breathe easily.

Try to avoid dark clothing. If possible, use reflective tape or attach glow sticks to their costume to make them more visible on sidewalks. Parents can carry a flashlight to help guide the way.

After the haul, inspect the candy. Children should accept only commercially wrapped candy. Toss any homemade items. Parents: Be sure to inspect your child’s treats and look for unusual packages or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that may look suspicious.

If handing out treats, throw in some fun Halloween-themed school supplies or toy trinkets such as plastic spider’s rings or glow sticks.

Happy Halloween from Crosby and Buddy!