This Saturday, October 31 is Halloween (eve of All Saints’ Day) and boys and girls of all ages will be “trick-or-treating”. Unfortunately, Halloween is not as carefree as it once was. Below are some safety tips from the the National Safety Council
Motorists – The National Safety Council urges motorists to be especially alert on Halloween.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
Parents – Before children start out on their “trick or treat” rounds, parents should:
• Children should only stop at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never enter a stranger’s home.
• Establish a return time.
• Do not to eat any treat until they return home.
Costume Design
• Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
• Costumes should be loose so warm clothes (weather permitting) can be worn underneath.
• Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. (Falls are the leading cause of injuries on Halloween.)
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Mother’ s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.
• Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes.
• Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eye-holes large enough to allow full vision.
• If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that childrens costumes won’t accidentally be set on fire.
• If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to make children visible.
Accessories
• Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.
• Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.
• Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
On the way – Children should understand and follow these rules:
• Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
• Walk, do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
• Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
• Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
Treats – To ensure a safe trick-or-treat outing, parents are urged to:
• Give children an early meal before going out.
• Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
• To avoid the temptation of eating their trick-or-treat goodies, bring snacks in case they get hungry along the way. Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.
• When in doubt, throw it out.
• Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
• Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.