Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: Tips for a Safe Halloween from the NYPD

Halloween is intended as a time for mischief, but it's important to keep young ghouls (and yourself) safe during the spookiest holiday of the season. 

In the 111th Precinct, police spokesman Bill Conway said that area stores should be wary of selling the following items to teenagers: shaving cream, eggs and Nair hair remover, which in years past has reportedly been sprayed on the heads of unsuspecting pedestrians.

The NYPD has also released a list of Halloweeen tips to ensure the trick-or-treating set stays safe on the big night: 

• An adult should always examine Halloween treats before children eat them. Never eat open or unwrapped Halloween foods.

• Costumes should be flame-retardant and should allow children to walk freely without tripping.

• Children's ability to see, hear, and move should not be impaired by unwieldy masks.

• Make certain that any face paint or make-up used on skin or costumes is non-toxic.

• Extra care should be taken on streets and at crossings, especially at dusk and after dark.

• Children should carry a flashlight and wear reflective or bright colored clothing at night.

• Emergency identification information should be placed discreetly inside clothing of small children, in case of accidental separation.

• Avoid having children wear their names outwardly on clothing or jewelry which may allow a stranger to call them by name and appear to know them.

• As always, children should be cautioned to avoid strangers, as well as poorly-lit areas and homes of people they do not know.

Kids should only consume candy that is wrapped in its original, unbroken packaging - meaning no fresh fruit or baked goods. However, if your child consumes anything that has a strange taste or makes him or her feel sick, the Poison Control Center is open 24/7 at (212) POISONS (764-7667), (212) VENENOS (836-3667) for Spanish language speakers, or (212) 689-9014 for TDD users. The national toll free number, 1-800-222-1222, connects to the nearest poison control center.