Many Arkansans enjoy the fun and festivities associated with Halloween, but people often forget important tips to keep their children "scare free."
“Children wait all year for the day they get to dress up in their favorite costume and stock up on candy,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Halloween should be a fun and exciting night for everyone, but adults should also remember to take the necessary steps to keep children safe.”
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to parents to avoid unexpected and unnecessary Halloween scares:
-Select flame-resistant materials, masks, beards, and wigs, and try to avoid baggy sleeves and billowing skirts.
-Choose costumes with light or bright colors whenever possible, or trim a darker costume with reflective tape. Consider having children carry a flashlight to make sure they can see and that they are visible to drivers.
-To avoid tripping and falling, choose costumes that fit well and do not drag on the ground.
-Make sure masks fit securely, have adequate ventilation, and provide unobstructed views. Consider applying make-up to children’s faces instead of selecting loose-fitting masks.
-Swords, knives, and other accessories should be made of soft and flexible materials.
-Take children to familiar neighborhoods, and only approach homes with outside lighting.
-Remind children of everyday safety rules, such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets, and crossing with the light when they are trick-or-treating.
-Adults should always accompany small children to caution them against running into streets and across lawns or driveways. Children should use sidewalks where available.
-Encourage children to wait until they get home to eat candy so that adults can inspect the goodies.
-Parents should throw away any treats that are not commercially wrapped or that appear to be tampered with.
For more information, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982, or consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visit ArkansasAG.gov.