Chickasaw Middle School hosted a “Boo Hoo Breakfast” today Oct. 16, 2024, to discuss with the students the best practices for Halloween Safety as they purchase costumes and prepare for the holiday. The practices, first introduced by the National Safety Council, ensure kids have a safe experience while they’re out essential for trick-or-treating, without compromising the fun of the holiday.

Here are some of the tips that could be essential to help make a safe and happy holiday for your kids and everyone celebrating the holiday.

Costume Safety:

• Be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards; all costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
• Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

When They're on the Prowl:

• Here's a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.
• Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night:
• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
• Agree on a specific time children should return home
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies