Halloween is coming up Tuesday, and every year there is a new set of cumbersome costumes modeled after favorite cartoon characters or action heroes presenting subtle dangers for kids. Sure, the muscles on your Batman costume look more realistic than the one-dimensional physique drawn on my vinyl He-Man suit as a kid, but are fake muscles really more important than the ability to stand upright or move your arms freely?
There are many general rules to follow in order to have a safe Halloween. Most are common sense, but still important to brush up on before the big night. Here is a list provided by the Goodrich Education Association:

Falls:
• Paint the face, it is safer than a mask and more fun, too.
• Make costumes short, don’t hike up long skirts, cut them off for safety.
• Wear shoes that fit, kids should never wear mom’s high heels or dad’s boots.
• Stay on the sidewalk and don’t cut through yards.

Pedestrian Injuries:
• Use Halloween costumes, bags or sacks that are light or bright enough to be seen at night.
• Remind kids to stop and look both ways before crossing streets.

Burns:
• Look for “flame resistant” labels on costumes, masks, beards, wigs, etc.
• Use fire resistant materials for all homemade costumes.

Common Sense Tips:
• Only give and accept packaged candy.
• Trick-or-treat in pairs or small groups.
• Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as swords and wands.
• Don’t enter homes of people you don’t know.
• Drive and walk with care Oct. 31.

Although these rules are generally the same ones that have been followed on Halloween for decades, they are in place for a reason. With thousands of sugar-buzzing, costumed kids trotting around subdivisions, Halloween is a night with more hazards than most holidays.
It is also important to trick-or-treat only during specified hours. Most municipalities have hours from about 6-8 p.m. Generally, when homes begin turning out porch lights, it is a good sign that trick-or-treat time is over.

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