Halloween is right around the corner. At Carlyle Orthodontics we want families to have a fun-filled and safe holiday. There are lots of local events for kids such as the popular “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” or “Screamin’ Green Hauntoween” and of course there is always good, old-fashioned trick or treating, just remember to follow basic rules to stay safe.

Here are some safety precautions to consider before going out this year.
PLAN A ROUTE IN ADVANCE
Plan your route and make sure you tell others where you are going. If there is an accident or an emergency, it is important for family and friends to know where to find you. Make sure cell phones are charged so you can communicate and call for help. Also, losing something while you are out is inevitable and planning your route can help locate lost items.
KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE
There will be young children throughout your neighborhood and on your property. Keep your entrance and yard well lit, remove sticks, hoses and other tripping hazards from your walkways and lawn and turn off sprinklers if they are set to go off. Whether you are planning to be home or out trick or treating, please remember to leave your home safe for children and families.
WEAR REFLECTIVE CLOTHING
Keeping your children safe is the top priority and with so many people out it can be hard for drivers to see everything. Add reflective tape or strobe lights to the pants of your children if their costume is very dark. Or even better, choose a brighter costume like a ghost or mummy. It doesn’t matter what your costume is, it is not worth getting hit by a car. If you are driving, make sure to go slow and be extra careful of your surroundings.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Food allergies are a growing concern for families. Did you know a new trend is catching on – teal pumpkins have special treats for children with food allergies! This is a great idea that has been gaining in popularity in recent years. Most candies either contain nuts or are processed in a facility with nuts. This allows children to participate in trick or treating that are usually left out.
We hope these tips are helpful to you this Halloween and you all have a happy and safe trick or treat night this year. Please remember to brush and floss after eating candy. Also, if you have braces and are not sure which candy is safe feel free to stop by or give us a call at 407-447-9060.