Halloween Safety Tips
By Cheri Sicard

• Cross only at corners when trick or treating. Never cross between parked cars.
• Walk facing the oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk.
• Always remove masks before crossing streets.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Be aware of cars that may be turning into or backing out of driveways.
• Never go inside a stranger's house.
• Parents need to know the route their children will be taking and make sure children are accompanied by an adult. Set time limits on when children should return home.
• Instruct children NOT to eat treats until they return home and parents have had a chance to inspect those treats.
• Never eat home made treats made by strangers.
• Only eat commercially wrapped products and if you have any suspicions, throw it out!
• Make sure costumes are made of brightly colored, flame retardant material.
• Put reflector strips on the costume, so that children can be seen.
• Avoid high-heeled shoes or long dangling pieces that a child may trip over.
• Drive cautiously on Halloween Eve, when excited kids could dart out in front of your car.
• Remove obstacles from lawns and steps to prevent children from tripping or being otherwise injured.

Cheri Sicard is the editor of FabulousFoods.com, a favorite net destination for recipes, cooking tutorials, holiday and entertaining ideas, celebrity chef interviews, cookbook reviews and more. Sign up for their free cooking newsletters! http://www.fabulousfoods.com