Children love Halloween. There are costumes, candy, parties, black cats, scary stories and more candy.

It’s often fun for parents, too, because some get to dress up and take their kids trick-or-treating, or stay home and hand out treats to the little monsters.

But there are plenty of safety concerns for parents, too.

Will my children be safe crossing streets while gathering their treats?

Can they walk and climb stairs safely in their costumes?

Is the candy they are receiving safe?

But one question many parents never think to ask is: Are the people answering the next door sex offenders?

New York parents can check their Halloween route for sex offenders in homes here. In Pennsylvania, go here.

Informed parents make for safe children on Halloween.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has some great tips on its website, including these pointers about other dangers along the trick-or-treat trail:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going 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, remind Trick-or-Treaters.
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Carry a cellphone 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 driveways.
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

You can find more tips here:

Safekids.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Safety Council

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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ZiffLaw Attorney, Esq.
NY and PA Injury and Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: info@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com