This week brings the final wave of Halloween events, including Trick or Treating on Halloween night. Before you head out on Halloween night, here are a few friendly reminders provided by the National Safety Council to help keep everybody safe while having fun.
Costume Safety:
Due to lighting conditions, an increase in pedestrian activity, and distractions, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, be sure to choose a costume that won’t cause safety hazards.
• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision.
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks.
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first.
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
When They’re on the Prowl:
• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you.
• Agree on a specific time children should return home.
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
Safety Tips for Motorists:
NSC offers these additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
Safety Tips About Candy and Treats:
• Check all candy prior to anybody consuming it to ensure that all packaging is intact and hasn’t been tampered with.
• Avoid giving small children hard candy, or any treat that could be a choking hazard.
• Started by Food Allergy Research & Education, the Teal Pumpkin Project is aimed at helping all kids participate in the Halloween fun, even if they have food allergies. The teal pumpkins are filled with non-food items to prevent children with allergies from inadvertently consuming foods that can cause harm. Especially for children with food allergies, it is always a best practice to read the food labels on treats to ensure that there aren’t any overlooked ingredients.
We hope everybody enjoys the Halloween festivities and the time with family and friends- stay safe!
–Sources:
http://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/autumn/halloween