Halloween Safety

Here’s a character all parents should be on Halloween: Inspector Gadget. Insist on examining your kids’ candy before they eat it. Throw it away if it looks like someone may have tampered with it. If the wrapper is torn or damaged, it’s a no-go. Examine it carefully for pinpricks, too. Also be wary of candy that can easily be opened then resealed, like Tootsie Rolls. Teach your kids to politely turn down any food that isn’t commercially packaged, like homemade goods. Check with your town — some police jurisdictions or hospitals offer X-ray screenings for Halloween candy. Keep the number for the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) handy, as well as the number for your local police station. Report anything that seems suspicious. If your kids are going out with friends, tell them not to eat any candy until you’ve inspected it.