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Halloween
always falls on a day that comes after we turn our clocks back one
hour. This means darkness comes earlier than it has all summer and
fall, and children may not be in tune with the hour of day. Adults
can take precautions to ensure that the children who go out “trick
or treating” have a safe, enjoyable evening. As always, the
National PTA has come up with useful advice.
For starters, parents should make sure children wear well-fitted clothing
and shoes. Children should be encouraged to use makeup rather than
masks because masks can obstruct vision, especially in the dark. Children
should also carry flashlights, and wear light-colored costumes that
can easily been seen by cars.
It’s best to have at least one adult accompany each group of
children. If children are old enough to be out on their own, parents
should know the approximate “path” they plan to take, and
all children should have a specific time limit for when they are to
return home. Instruct children to be selective regarding the homes
they visit — only those with lights on, preferably in neighborhoods
they know.
Children should also be wearing flameproof costumes. If you are not
sure this is the case, costumes can be flameproofed by soaking in a
solution of two quarts water, seven ounces borax, and three ounces
boric acid. After soaking, hang to drip dry, then iron.
There are also several “don’ts” for children to heed.
Children should not enter any home, unless it is the home of a friend.
They should not eat any candy before they get home and have it inspected
by an adult. Any items that are not wrapped should be thrown away.
Also, children shouldn’t carry sharp or pointed props and they
should never carry candles as a source of light.
Finally, all adults should remember to take extra precautions when
driving on Halloween night because children will be everywhere.
Halloween can be a safe, harmless, enjoyable evening for all who participate
if simple precautions are followed.
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