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 Halloween Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know!
"Trick or treat!" That's the phrase shouted with glee by many a youngster across the country every Halloween night. But before your ghosts and goblins trick or treat this year, parents should keep in mind these tips.
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury.
From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time for kids and parents alike. But it can pose dangers to young celebrators.  
Hard Facts
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Top Tips
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

• Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever  possible.

• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats they eat.

• Providing children with a full meal before trick-or-treating will reduce the temptation for children to eat treats before they return home.

• Sick children — Children who are already sick should not go trick-or-treating on Halloween to avoid spreading colds or viruses to other children.

• Don't allow young children to have hard candy or gum that could cause choking.
• Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

• Kids should stay on sidewalks at all times. Cutting through people's yards can lead to accidents when  things like clotheslines and other hazards are hard to spot.

• For older kids who are trick-or-treating on their own, find out the route they'll be taking and when  they'll be coming home. Also be sure that they carry a cell phone, if possible go in a group and stay  together.

• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are  mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit  and trick-or-treat in groups.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those  hours.

• When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

• Walk, don’t run. Cross the street only at a crosswalk or corner, after looking both ways.

• Drivers can do their part by being especially careful in residential neighborhoods. Slow down and look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Make sure oversized hats, helmets, or headpieces won't interfere with their vision.
Take these quick and easy precautions to help your little ghosts and goblins have a hauntingly happy and safe Halloween.

Save Our Water Outdoor

 Save our Water Indoor

 

When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.

• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes this saves up to 50 gallons per week.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year.
• Install a low-flow faucet aerator, which can cut water use in half. Water saved: 1 to 2 gallons per minute.
• Wash only full loads in the dishwasher. An efficient dishwasher usually uses much less water than washing dishes by hand.
• Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full.
• Spend only 5 minutes in the shower. Saves up to 8 gallons each time or replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Saves up to 2.5 gallons per minute
• Talk to your family and friends about saving water.

 Follow the link to learn on how to check for a water leak http://www.lcra.org/water/utilities/pages/how-to-check-for-leaks.aspMulch! Save hundreds of gallons of water a year by using organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.