Halloween is among the most exciting holidays for children, but they can be susceptible to injury on this night. To ensure trick-or-treaters stay safe, Lake Stevens Fire (LSF) and Safe Kids Snohomish County recommends the following tips to keep kids safe:

• Children’s costumes should be flame retardant and be easily seen at night (either a light color or decorated with reflective tape).
• Use face-paint and makeup; a mask can restrict a child’s vision.
• Children under 12 should always trick-or-treat with an adult.
• Only trick-or-treat in familiar, well lit areas.
• Cross the street at corners or crosswalks and look both ways and listen for cars before crossing.
• Children should be reminded to walk, not run.
• Carry a flashlight to increase visibility.
• Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped.
Adults should expect heavy foot traffic and take extreme caution the day of Halloween, which lands on a Wednesday this year and surrounding days. LSF and Safe Kids Snohomish County recommends that drivers:
• Be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Remember  that some costumes may limit a child’s visibility and they may not be able to see you.
• Remember that children are excited on this night and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.
• Remove any distractions inside your vehicle so you can be alert of your surroundings and the road.
Take time to be safe and be seen this Halloween! LSF will be participating in the annual Family Safe Halloween downtown Lake Stevens hosted by the Lake Stevens Family Center on Halloween night, from 5 p.m. to  8:30 p.m.  Hope to see you there!

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