Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for children and adults alike. Its roots can be traced back to the ancient Celts and their festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to scare off roaming ghosts. In the 8^th century, Pope Gregory III decided that November 1^st was to be a day to honor all saints and martyrs and was called All Saints’ Day. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event. Halloween is just one of many festivals celebrated around the world this time of year that ushers in the cold season with parties, costumes, and treats!

Be sure to go over the following important information with your kids or grandkids before they set out Trick-or-Treating this year. 

• Travel in a group with other kids, or with trusted adults, and never enter someone’s home.
• Never accept rides from strangers and be sure to stay on the sidewalks whenever possible. If you have to walk on the road, stay on the far edge, facing traffic.
• Never eat candy that looks tampered with and be sure to closely examine ALL the candy before eating it.
• Wear well-fitted masks, costumes and shoes so that your vision isn’t blocked, and you don’t trip and fall.
• Be extra cautious crossing the street and use the crosswalks wherever possible. Put some reflective tape on your clothing or treat bag so that you are more visible to drivers.
• Bring a flashlight to help you see and be seen or carry a glow stick and walk in well-lit areas.
• If you are passing out treats, make sure the walking area and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles, and secure your excitable pets.
• Keep Jack O’ lanterns lit with candles away from doorsteps, landings, or anything flammable or better yet, use a battery powered candle.
• Slow down and take your time to look for kids at intersections and on the curbs. With all that sugar and excitement, kids may dart between cars or run across the street.
• For older kids, have a planned route that parents and teens agree upon, and stick to it.
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. Sadly, Halloween is a popular time for villains to prey on children.

After Halloween is over, keep pumpkins out of the waste-stream by putting that scary jack-o-lantern in an out-of-the-way part of the yard. Birds and other wildlife love them!