All of us from ATC Agency want you to have a happy and safe Halloween! Don’t let the goblins and ghouls get you this Halloween, here are some tips from health and safety experts:

1. Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.
2. Trick-or-treaters should eat a snack before heading out, so they won’t be tempted to nibble on treats that haven’t been inspected.
3. Tell children not to accept or eat anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.
4. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away everything that looks suspicious.
5. Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.
6. Say “boo” to bacteria when bobbing for apples by thoroughly rinsing the apples under cool water. As an added precaution use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.
7. Beware of spooky cider! Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. To stay safe, always serve pasteurized products at your parties.
8. Don’t taste raw cookie dough or cake batter that contains uncooked eggs.
9. Don’t leave perishable goodies out of the fridge for more than two hours.10. Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Walk and don’t run from house to house.
10. Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
11. Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
12. Trick-or-treat in groups with a trusted adult.
13. Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
14. Always look both ways before crossing the street. Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
15. Turn on all outdoor lights to prevent slips, trips and falls. It is an easy way to prevent a liability claim on your homeowner’s insurance.