Tips to keep your children safe this Halloween

PHOENIX - Tragic accidents happen every Halloween, so to combat that The Prescott Valley Police Department has put together a simple list of tips that will help keep your child safe while trick-or-treating this year.

    * Make sure the costume allows the child to have good visibility so they can be aware of their surroundings.
    * Check the flammability of the costume before you purchase it including any material you buy if you plan to make the costume.
    * Be careful with children and their costumes around fire or other heat sources.
    * Do not allow children to carry real weapons. If props are necessary, make sure the items such as a sword, knife or a pitchfork have smooth tips and are flexible enough to not cause injury.
    * Use caution when carrying any fake firearms because today's plastic guns are realistic in their appearance and can be easily mistaken for a real weapon. Do not point them at anyone.
    * A costume should be highly visible at night.
    * Consider purchasing extra batteries for light sources that will be used for outside Halloween activities. This includes fully charging flashlights.
    * Consider using LED lights and glow sticks in pumpkins and other similar devices instead of candles.
    * Consider alternative activities to trick-or-treating.