Be Safe This Halloween
By
Ghost, goblins and vampires…Halloween will soon be here. For kids, Halloween is an exciting holiday and nothing ends a great time more quickly than a trip to the emergency room. To ensure a happy venture, here are some “tricks” for a safe Halloween.
Motorists
Watch for children darting out between cars.
Watch for children walking medians and curbs.
At twilight and later into the evening, watch for children in dark costumes.
Parents
Designate an adult or older child to supervise younger children during the outing.
Plan and discuss the route the trick-or-treaters, plan to follow.
Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas.
Teach children to stop only at houses that are well-lit and to never enter a stranger’s home.
Remind children of safety rules about crossing the street.
Always have them walk and not run.
Tell them to only eat candy that you have inspected first.
Costume Design
Use only fire-retardant materials for costumes.
Costumes should be loose, so that warmer clothes could be worn underneath.
Costumes should not be so long that they become a tripping hazard (falls from running, tripping over lawn decorations or costumes are the leading cause of Halloween injuries).
Costumes should be of light colored or use strips of reflective tape to make children visible at night.
Masks or makeup
Masks can obstruct a child’s vision. Facial makeup is a better alternative.
Make sure the Halloween makeup is labeled with “Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives, “Laboratory Tested”, Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics, or “Non-Toxic”. Follow manufacturer’s instruction for application.
Accessories
Knives and swords should be made of flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.
Remind children before going out the following rules:
Do not enter any homes or apartments without you being with them.
Walk, don’t run between houses. (Tripping over unforeseen objects and uneven terrain can end their evening early)
Walk on the sidewalks and not in the street.
Always look both ways before crossing streets.
Cross all streets at the corners.
Miscellaneous:
Give children a meal before the outing.
Use the restroom just before leaving the house.
Inspect all candy before allowing children to eat them.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Following these simple safety rules and everyone will have a “fang…tastic” time.
