(Radio Iowa) - As Iowa trick-or-treaters hit the streets this week, parents are reminded about a few real-life scares to beware of during the Halloween season.
Janna Day, education manager at the Iowa Poison Control Center, says kids will be eager to sink their teeth into their loot, but parents need to give those treats a close inspection first. Day says make sure the candy is in its original packaging and hasn't been tampered with. Masks can pose a visibility problem, so make sure kids can see clearly while in costume. Day suggests going with make-up or face paints instead, though test those out well ahead of time to ensure there's no skin irritation or allergies. Also, says keep the treat bag away from pets, as chocolate can be poisonous to dogs.
The Sioux City-based Iowa Poison Control Center is staffed around-the-clock and can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.