Parents prepare for a safe and happy Halloween

Halloween is a week away and people are getting ready to be dressed up as ghosts, ghouls and goblins.

According to the National Retail Federation, on average people spend more than $80 every year on Halloween costumes, candy and decorations.

Big bucks are being spent by folks looking for some Halloween fright at the Spirit Halloween store inside the Westfield Mall.

Safety is a top priority for parents who want make sure their little ones are going to be safe and seen while trick-or-treating. No matter what the costume might be, many parents are adding glow sticks and flashlights.“You know I buy as many of these glow sticks as possible especially if they have a black costume, like my boys do, and let them know ahead of time don’t run off without Mom,” said Laura Manley, who will be taking her two children trick-or-treating.

“We are going to try to keep him lit up. Last year he was a firefighter and we just pulled him around in the wagon, so we will see how it goes this year,” said Michael Weber of Desert Hot Springs who has a 4-year-old son.

Local law enforcement officials want parents to keep an eye on their kids when they dig into their Halloween buckets.

“Make sure you inspect the candy before you eat it. If it looks like it has been opened throw it away do not eat it,” said Deputy Armando Munoz, Riverside County Sheriffs Department.

Parents might want to steer clear of anything that doesn’t have a label they recognize.
Drivers should also remember to take it slow, especially in residential neighborhoods.

According to the National Safety Council one thing that imperative for parents is to put keep their cellphone in their pocket and do not get distracted while watching their children go trick-or-treating.

How do you keep your kids safe on Halloween? Leave a comment down below.

JOE GALLI IS ON FACEBOOK AND ON TWITTER @JOEGALLINEWS