SAN ANTONIO – For kids across the country, it's a night to dress up and get candy.
Unfortunately for those with food allergies, the candy can be dangerous. But now there are homes making sure kids don't miss out on the fun: the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Teal pumpkins in the front yard is a sign to show that those homes are safe environments for children with allergies -- and that you can receive something other than candy.
There are eight common allergies parents and children should be aware of while treat or treating: peanuts, milk, soy, and other nuts such as cashew or walnuts or almonds.
Doctors say that if one of these allergies are mixed with other candies the dangers can be extremely high. So one local doctor advises parents to plan ahead.
"If your child has a food allergy it's very important to educate, go to the houses, see if it's a safe environment, what kind of things are they distributing," Mandie Tibball Svatek, associate professor, UT Health San Antonio and physician at University Health System said. "You can pre-pack their pumpkin too so that they already have a pumpkin that's pre-fill with items."
Tibball Svatek also said there are plenty of other activities in neighborhoods that are safe and homes with safe items for everyone to enjoy.
Children with dangerous allergies shouldn't be singled out and need to enjoy Halloween like any other kid, Tibball Svatek said.
If your child does have food allergies, make sure to bring that Epipen with you when you trick or treat.
If you want to help out with allergy-free goodies, be sure to let families know and put out that teal pumpkin. You can register here.