PEORIA - Don't let the threat of catching the H1N1 virus scare the little ones this Halloween. The American Red Cross has a few tips to help your trick-or-treators stay healthy.
 
The Red Cross says you should keep the kids home if they're feeling sick. Remind them to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth. And carry hand sanitizer as you trick-or-treat.

When you're handing out candy, don't let trick-or-treators help themselves, instead you should hand them the candy yourself. Also, consider handing out individual bags of treats.
Throw away any unwrapped candy and inspect the rest for choking hazards or tampering.


The Red Cross also offers these tips to keep everyone safe during the spooky holiday:
-    Plan a trick-or-treat route. An adult should supervise.
-    Wear light colored or reflective costumes and clothing.
-    Use face paint rather than masks so kids can see where they’re going.
-    Carry a flashlight.
-    Walk on the sidewalks, not the streets.
-    Cross streets at street corners only.
-    Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
-    Keep open flames away from costumes.
-    Only visit homes with the porch lights on.
-    Accept treats at the door, and never go inside a home.
-    Be cautious of animals and strangers.