Beggar’s Night in Clinton County will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, according to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Below are Halloween safety tips from healthychildren.org and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

 

Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that the costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with the flame.

 

Consider adding reflective fabric or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.

 

Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over the eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.

 

When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.

 

If a sword, cane, or stick is part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily injured by these accessories if he or she stumbles or trips.

 

Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

 

Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

 

To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.

 

Parents should check the outdoor lights and replace the burned-out bulbs.

 

Wet leaves should be swept from the sidewalks and steps.

 

Restrain pets are they not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

 

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children to their neighborhoods.

 

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

 

If your older children are alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

 

Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

 

Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, trick-or-treaters reminders:

 

Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.

 

Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

 

Carry a cell phone for quick communication.

 

Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

 

If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.

 

Never cut across yards or use alleys.

 

Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.

 

Assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, will mean others will!

 

Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.