My sister and brother-in-law live for Halloween. They decorate the outside of their home with pumpkins and corn stalks. A homemade coffin and wood animal decorations appear all over the yard. Added to this scene are hanging sheets resembling the ghosts and eerie music. They make a big-to do over the children’s costumes and homemade bags. They have enjoyed many Halloween nights seeing little children coming up to their door with a green faces, flowing white sheets, and Winnie-the-Pooh suits yelling trick or treat.
Halloween is the time of the year that children get to dress up like their favorite characters or heroes and get delicious goodies at the same time. If you have a little one planning to participate in tricking or treating the neighbors, here are a few tips to keep him/her safe.
BASIC SAFETY
Young children should always trick or treat with an adult. Make sure children plan a route and stick with it. Children should be wary of strangers. Instruct your child to accept treats in the doorway. They should never go inside a house to accept the treats or see decorations. Children should visit only the houses with the lights on. Instruct children to walk on the sidewalks and driveways. They should also cross at the corner or in a crosswalk, never between parked cars. COSTUMES
Wear costumes that are bright enough to be visible at night to motorists. Use reflective tape. Add reflective tape to bags used to collect treats. Choose costumes that are flame-retardant. Children should carry flashlights. Make sure that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping. A loose-fitting mask might restrict breathing or obstruct vision. Make sure mask fits properly and have large holes for eyes and mouth. It's better to paint the face instead. Wear comfortable shoes. Costume accessories, such as swords and knives, should be made from soft and flexible material, such as cardboard. CANDY AND OTHER GOODIES
Do not let your children eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering. Accept only wrapped candy. Prevent a tummy ache by eating only a few pieces of candy at a time. Store non-chocolate candy in tight packaging. Most will keep about a year. Hint: A kid's coat pocket is not a good storage spot. Store hard candy separately from soft candy. Never allow candy to get above 72 degrees. Avoid humid conditions. Store chocolate candies in a dry, cool place; keep it wrapped so it won't absorb odors. Rewrap if the package has been opened. A grayish-white sheen of cocoa butter develops on chocolate that gets too hot (over 78 degrees) or is refrigerated. The candy is still edible. All chocolate can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. Dark and milk chocolates have different shelf lives. Dark varieties will last a year at room temperature or refrigerated; milk chocolates will last only about six months. Filled chocolates should be used within three months.
Creator- Wanda Walters
Email: walterswm@mcsc.usmc.milGraphics:Kurt Davis
Email: kdavis@nassig.sicliy.navy.mil
Sunday, March 18, 2001
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