Halloween safety tips for kids, adults–and drivers

Here’s a statistic that’s sure to spook adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are four times more likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

That’s because most trick-or-treating happens at night, with excited witches, goblins and superheroes scurrying through neighborhoods in search of delectable treats. Hundreds of children will be out trick-or-treating after dark on Halloween–so be extra careful and have fun!
The American Red Cross offers these safety tips for children, parents and drivers:

Tips for children:

• Plan your route and, if possible, have an adult go with you.
• Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.
• Cross the street only at corners, not in the middle of the block and stay together in a group before crossing.
• Never hide or cross the street between parked cars.
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too!)
• Use face paint rather than masks or big floppy hats that will cover your eyes.
• Don’t wear long, baggy, or loose costumes or extra-large shoes—you could trip and fall!
• Carry a flashlight to light your way.
• Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable.) If a costume catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL.
• Only visit well-lit homes that have a porch light on.
• Accept treats at the door; never go into a stranger’s house or apartment.
• Be cautious of animals and strangers.
• Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating them.
• Don’t eat candy if the package has already been opened.

Tips for parents:

• Establish a route in a well-known neighborhood and discuss it with your kids.
• Review Halloween safety precautions with children, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
• Accompany children under age 12—either you, another responsible adult or an older youth.
• Remember that masks that can restrict peripheral vision and hearing and oversized or loose costumes and shoes can cause children to trip and fall.
• Choose a firm return time.
• Make sure children know their phone number and carry a cell phone.
• Purchase fire retardant/fireproof costumes.  Check the tag/label on the costume to make sure it’s flame-resistant.
• Make sure your older children are carrying ID.
• Have children use flexible costume knives and swords, not ones that are rigid or sharp.
• Ask children to bring treats home before eating them so you can inspect them. Remember: small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.
• Call your local poison control center if you believe your child has eaten something tainted.
• Flush eyes with cool water should face paint, glitter or shaving cream get into eyes.
• Prepare for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns and sidewalks and placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways or landings.Tips for drivers:

Tips for drivers:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods (drive at least five miles under the speed limit) to give yourself time to react to excited trick-or-treaters who might dart into the street, especially mid-block or from between parked cars.
• Broaden your visual scanning—look to your right and left, into front yards and onto porches.
• Watch carefully for small superheroes, vampires and goblins in dark costumes walking on the road, medians and curbs; they can be hard to see after dark.
• Use caution when exiting driveways and alleyways.
• Turn on your vehicle’s headlights, even during the day. They make you more visible.

Here’s to a safe but Happy Halloween!

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