ATLANTA, GA –Attorney General Chris Carr is wishing all Georgians Happy Halloween and offering a few safety tips for parents.

“Halloween is a fun holiday to carve pumpkins, dress up, bond with our kids and eat way too much candy,” said Attorney General Carr. “But, as parents, we also need to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our children as they participate in tonight’s festivities. We hope you will find the following tips helpful as you enjoy your evening with family and friends.”

Costumes:

  • It is important that costumes are fire retardant.
  • Masks make a great addition to a costume, but you should make sure your child has eye holes large enough for good peripheral vision.
  • If your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, make sure that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.
  • Make sure Halloween costumes fit properly. Allow extra room for warm cloths to be worn underneath the costume while avoiding long, loose fitting costumes potentially posing a trip hazard or increasing the chances of being ignited by an open flame like a candle.

General Safety:

  • Know where your children are going to be. If they’re at a school function, friend’s house or public event, have a number for their supervisor, the address and a set pick-up time and location.
  • Explain to your children the proper forms of “trickery.” Vandalism is not ok, even on Halloween.
  • Serve your kids a filling meal before trick or treating and they won't be as tempted to eat any candy before they bring it home for you to check.
  • Know the route your children are taking. Let them know to check in every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Make sure they know not to deviate from the planned route.
  • Be sure to show your children know how to cross a street properly. They should always look both ways before crossing the street and should only cross at corners or crosswalks. Make sure that if you have more than one child, they know to take the hand of the younger child when they cross a street.
  • Teach your kids about not getting into strangers cars or talking to strangers, no matter what the person says to them.
  • Teach your children never to approach a home that is not well lit inside and outside.

Decorations:

  • Keep open flames such as candles away from curtains, decorations or other objects that could catch fire.
  • Never leave lit candles unattended. Any open flame can be potentially dangerous. Consider purchasing battery operated lights to place inside of pumpkins instead.

For more helpful tips, click here.