Halloween is around the corner, and people everywhere are looking forward to being scared and dressing up in costumes. The same is not true for dogs or cats, however. The mischief for which the holiday is infamous present a myriad of potential dangers that can take dogs, cats, and their owners completely by surprise.
If you want to include your dog in your Halloween celebration, make it an event that is safe and enjoyable for both of you. Here are some tips:
By Cricket from NC
Did you know that 4 times as many children ages 4-15 are killed on Halloween evening as compared to other evenings of the year?* Falls are another leading cause of injury on Halloween. Follow these safety precautions and keep safe on this SCARY night.
Children should:
Parents should:
Have fun! Be Safe
By skibum1910 from Prospect, KY
*Editor's Note: This statistic appears to be true regarding pedestrian deaths. Scary, nonetheless.
Here's a website that lists some rules in kids' language: http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/rules.html and has an interactive "game" to reinforce understanding. Add rules as fit your circumstances.
The rules should cover the following areas:
1. STRANGERS
If you were a pedophile, wouldn't Halloween night come to mind as an opportunity? Describe to your child what a "stranger" is. Caution them to avoid strangers, stick to the agreed route, and not to go inside any houses. Discuss that the "offer" may be enticing and must be ignored (see example on website).
2. CARS
More children are killed by cars on Halloween night than any other night of the year. Make sure their mask allows visibility and their costume doesn't trip them. Review "stop, look and listen" and "walk don't run". Remind them that a parking lot has moving cars in it too, to stick to sidewalks and, and to cross only at intersections - in a group, not straggling.
3. SAFETY IN NUMBERS
Go with your child if he's young. Older children should go in pairs or 3s.
4. REMEMBERING WHEN IT'S HARD TO
The rules are no good if your child forgets them. This is a good time to go over Emotional Intelligence 101 - paying attention and thinking even though there's emotional distraction. Find examples the week before that can be learning opportunities.
5. PEER PRESSURE
What you said holds, no matter what the other child wants to do, or what they say their mother said was OK. (Good practice for peers who do drugs.)
6. FOOD SAFETY
Your child must return all candy and food to you for inspection before they eat it. Go over the "no matters" - no matter how good it looks, no matter how hungry they get, no matter if Billy says he's sure it's OK.
7. FIRE SAFETY
Those luminaria, lanterns and jack-o-lanterns with live candles in them are a fire hazard (and can be very enticing). Point out dangers. Flame retardant costumes are of course advised.
8. MANNERS
This ranges from saying "thank you" for treats, to not going to houses that don't have their lights on, to respecting the property of others.
9. COSTUME SAFETY
They must be able to walk in their costume, and to see through their headgear or mask. They should have a tote bag that's manageable (think of the disruption if they have a bag that tears). They should carry a flashlight and/or wear lighted sneakers.
10. SAFETY SAFETY
And, last but not least, what should your child do if he gets lost or in danger? Run away and scream if someone follows them or tries to force them into a car. If lost, ask a woman with a child for help. How to dial 911 at home and on the cell phone. Go over what to do in different scenarios.
For a comprehensive list of safety tips for a large range of situations, go here http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/child safety.html , the US National Library of Medicine.
By Susan Dunn, MA

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Children around the country are eagerly anticipating the night when they will wear their favorite costume and search for fun and delicious treats. As Halloween creeps up, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds parents and caregivers that when it comes to Halloween safety, there is no trick. Hidden dangers associated with costumes, treats, and decorations can be easily prevented, so that the holiday celebration is a real treat.
According to the CPSC, the most serious Halloween-related injuries involve burns from flammable costumes and decorations, including ignition from open flames, such as candles and Jack O'Lanterns. Other incidents have involved abrasions from sharp objects attached to masks or costumes.
Home-made costumes that are not flame resistant continue to be the major concern, said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "When making a costume, parents need to use inherently flame-resistant fabrics, such as nylon and polyester. Also, they should avoid long-draped items that could cause an entanglement hazard."
CPSC helps keep children safe by enforcing the Flammable Fabrics Act and by recalling products at Halloween and throughout the year that can cause injury.
Follow these safety tips to ensure this year's holiday is a safe one:
CostumesBy Los Angeles Fire Department