To keep a scary holiday safe, the Chester County Health Department is offering the following tips:

Walk Safely

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
• Put away cell phones, iPods and other distracting devices and stay focused on your surroundings, especially when crossing the street.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

• Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and should travel in groups.
• Have dinner before taking your children out for trick or treat so that children will not be tempted to eat candy before you’ve had a chance to inspect it.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers. If  possible, choose light colors for costumes.
• Masks can obstruct your child’s vision. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
• Kids should carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

Drive Extra Cautiously on Halloween

• Drive slowly and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
• Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

For more Halloween safety tips, visit SafeKids.org  or call 610-344-6490.