TYLER (KYTX) - In 48 hours neighborhood streets will start filling up with all sorts of characters, all in the spirit of Halloween. CBS 19's Amanda Roberson has more on making it a safe night.
Two things families are encouraged to stay mindful of on Halloween: food and safety. According to AAA, Halloween night is also the deadliest night of year for pedestrians. It's one frightening statistic that has families taking extra precautions before trick or treating begins.
Summer McCartney of Big Sandy said a little extra safety only cost her a buck. "We put glow sticks around their neck, we put glow sticks around their arms for their bracelets."
McCartney will stay by the side of her five year old daughter Kinsey the entire night, as she collects her bag of candy. "Mainly we only go to family, that way we know what we're getting," McCartney explained.
Brenda Elrod with the Northeast Texas Public Health District said that's a good idea. "It's so critical that you know where your food's coming from. We always worry about that so we keep an eye out, we keep a list of our complaints if we have problems of that nature."
When in doubt, throw it out. "We go through it, we check it and make sure there's nothing opened," said McCartney.
There are a ton of sweet treats that don't force you to sacrifice flavor for health. Fruit snacks made with real fruit juice and yogurt covered raisins are great alternatives. Some pretzels are covered in a Reese's Pieces candy. They're half the calories, and half the sugar of two fun size bars.
"A little bit of chocolate's always good, but not too much," Elrod added. "Try to get those snacks that are a little more healthier, maybe some packaged nuts that come pre-packed."
As for makeup, test it on a small patch of your child's skin before Halloween night to avoid a large allergic reaction. And make sure masks fit well to prevent blocked vision and tripping.
"They are my life so I want to make sure they're safe, we're safe, and everybody has fun," said McCartney.
A little preparation meaning more fun, and less fright on Halloween night.
For more Halloween safety suggestions and how to get a little extra exercise and physical activity Wednesday night, click here.
