Halloween is upon us once more and as a mother and a concerned member of our community, I feel it important to protect our children.  I decided to put up a small tip sheet of comment sense tips that will try and ensure a safe and Happy Halloween.

First of all, Adults should accompany all children on their rounds:

• Trick or treat in familiar neighborhood areas in well lighted streets.
• Carry a cell phone with you - a loud whistle - for personal safety.
• Be careful of pets and dogs.
• Don't let children go into homes unescorted or into vacant haunted homes without supervision.
• Trick our treat in groups with other parents!
• Avoid large apartment buildings, unfamiliar surroundings or neighborhoods.
• Avoid unlit properties.
• Do not let children take short cuts in alleys or vacant lots.
• Don't accept candies that aren't commercially wrapped.
• Do not to accept candies where wrapping is undone or looks tampered with.
• Discard any home-made candies, fruits or baked goods.
• Sort out candies or small toys that could be a choke hazard.
• Remove any peanuts, or allergic foods to may create allergic reactions - read labels for contents.
• Look for unusual appearances in foods or candies.  Look carefully for and unusual discoloration, package. perforations, tiny pinholes in packaging, or tears in candy wrappers. Throw away all suspicious items.
• Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly and inspect it for holes, including small punctures. Cut fruit open before giving it to child.
• Do not allow children to snack on treats before you can examine them at home.
• Do not let children 'Trick or Treat' too late at night!
• Report any suspisious activity to police!
• When in doubt, throw it out!