One of the best ways to keep your eyes on the little ones on Halloween may be to keep them home. Of course that may involve throwing them their own party which can still involve safety issues for you and your guests. Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe on Halloween night:

• Costumes – Even if you are not hiking the neighborhood, you still want to keep the costumes safe. Shorter is better so that there is no tripping. Enlarge the eyeholes in masks or use makeup to enable children to see their best. Check the labels for fire retardant clothing.
• Food – Be aware any food allergies that your guests may have. Common allergies include dairy, shell fish and peanuts. Stay away from small hard candies that may present a choking hazard. If using dry ice, prevent children from handling it as it can cause burns. You can easily find the burger king outlets here for the Halloween party.
• Childproof – Move any breakable items beyond reach or to another room. Don’t let a broken keepsake spoil your night. Candles may add to the atmosphere of spookiness, but don’t be tempted to use them. There are plenty of flickering lights available that are battery operated and eliminate the hazards of a flame.
• Pets – A houseful of exuberant party goers in strange costumes could freak out your pets. Also, your guests may share too many things with your pets that shouldn’t be eaten by animals. Arrange for your pets to stay in another part of the house or away from home.
• Guests – Know your guests. With the excitement and hubbub of escorting costumed guests in and out of your house, unescorted trick-or-treaters could accidently crash your party. That would be a scare for both you and the unknowing ghosts and goblins.
• Plan – Plan ahead to include lots of fun activities to keep your guests busy. The good memories that they have will last a lifetime.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

Tags: Halloween party safety tips, Halloween safety, Halloween safety tips, safety tips

October 8, 2014 is International Walk and Bike to School Day. If your children will be walking or biking to school on Wednesday, take some time to go over our pedestrian safety tips with them.

1. Always wear a bike helmet when riding a bike.
2. Use crosswalks with crossing the street or cross at street corners.
3. Be aware of the cars around you. Stay alert for those that are turning, backing up or pulling in and out of driveways.
4. Be sure to use sidewalks when available. If there is not sidewalk, travel on the shoulder of the road and face the oncoming traffic.
5. Avoid using electronic devises when crossing the road.
6. If you must use a cell phone while walking or biking, stop and find a safe place to use it.
7. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing so that you know that they see you.
8. Pay attention for cars backing out of driveways or out of parking spaces as well as those that are turning.
9. Do not enter the street from behind parked cars. The parked car will block you from the view of oncoming drivers.
10. Be alert for cars moving in or out of driveways.
11. Wear light or reflective clothing especially if you must be out walking/biking after dark.
12. Stick with your normal walking/biking route or use only parent approved alternatives.

For children aged 5 to 19, pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death with teens accounting for half of those deaths. Take time to walk around the neighborhood with your kids and set a good example. Only walk or bike routes that you’ve approved for them to travel when you are not present. Make sure they know the safest routes. Provide them with reflective clothing or reflective stickers for backpacks and book bags. Remind them to speak up and warn others if they notice another pedestrian in danger.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

Tags: bike to school day, pedestrian safety tips, safe pedestrians, safety tips, walk to school day