The North Texas Poison Center offers a few simple suggestions to keep your children safe while trick-or-treating this Halloween. Remember to call 1.800.222.1222 right away if you even suspect that your child may have eaten a tainted treat.

1. Provide your child with a nourishing meal or snack before trick-or-treating. A hungry child is much more apt to sample treats before returning home. Candy treats, as well as sweet drinks, eaten while trick-or-treating often contribute to stomach upset symptoms. These symptoms often cause parents unnecessary concern that treats may have been tainted.
2. Make sure that your child does not run from house to house. In their excitement, children often become overheated, which, along with treats and drinks, can cause them to feel sick. This too could cause parents unnecessary concern that treats may have been tainted.
3. Children should never eat Halloween candy until an adult has inspected it. Some over the counter medications look exactly like small candies, so never let your children eat unwrapped candy or homemade goodies. Better to toss something away than take the chance it contains a potentially poisonous substance. Remember this saying: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
4. Accompany small and elementary school age children when they are trick-or-treating and send older children in groups.
5. Ensure that costumes are reflective and your children carry flashlights.
6. Have children stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know.
7. A Halloween party for your children and their friends is often a fun and safe alternative to the traditional trick-or-treating.