Keeping Halloween Safe
Did you know that 4 times as many children ages 4-15 are killed on Halloween evening as compared to other evenings of the year?* Falls are another leading cause of injury on Halloween. Follow these safety precautions an keep safe on this SCARY night.
Children should:
- Travel in groups and be accompanied by an adult
- Go only to well lit houses
- Never enter a home, remain on the porch
- Carry a cell phone for emergencies and KNOW their home phone number
- Bring treats home to inspect them prior to eating
- Avoid flowing costumes that could be ignited by a flame or pose a tripping hazard
- Avoid costume accessories with sharp edges that could cause injury if you were to fall on it (replace a plastic sword with one made of foam)
- Have their name, address and phone number on the INSIDE of their costume in the event of an injury (use an address label on the hem of the costume and at the back closure)
- Use flashlights
- Cross streets at crosswalks whenever possible. Do not cross between parked cars
- Avoid crossing unfamiliar yards which could have unseen fences, holes or pets
- Consider face painting instead of masks which impair vision
Parents should:
- Supervise children under age 12
- Prepare homes for ticker-treaters by clearing sidewalks, porches and lawns
- Keep pets indoors until the festivities have quieted down
- Use electric candles in pumpkins or place your pumpkin inside a window
- Inspect all candy before allowing it to be consumed. Throw away any home-made treats unless you know the people who have made it. Throw away unwrapped candies or wrappers that are not intact.
- Drive slowly and carefully
Have fun! Be Safe
By skibum1910 from Prospect, KY
*Editor's Note: This statistic appears to be true regarding pedestrian deaths. Scary, nonetheless.
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By
10/15/2009
OK - I accept that pedestrian kids are at a higher risk of pedestrian deaths on Halloween evening, because there are a lot of pedestrian kids on that evening. But, 4x? C'mon
The message is clearly be a safe driver, and be aware of pedestrian kids, and any other pedestrian activities (Halloween is just one of many). There are a lot of kids around on Halloween evening, as with many other evenings.
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(Archived Oct 14, 2009)Safe Halloween Tips
Tip: Safe Halloween Tips
For a Halloween that's safe, follow these tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Buy costumes, masks, and wigs that are labeled "flame resistant." Keep in mind that these items can still catch fire. Make sure that children are very cautious around jack-o'-lanterns, candles and other lighted flames. To further minimize fire risks, avoid outfits made with flimsy materials and those with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
- Keep visibility in mind when buying or making costumes. Bright fabrics are best. Decorate costumes with reflective tape (available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores) that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape.
- Costumes should be short enough so that children won't trip and fall.
- Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
- Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.
- Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than having a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If your child does wear a mask, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
- Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.
- Children should carry flashlights to easily see and be seen.
- Before kids eat their trick-or-treating bounty, it's important that an adult carefully examine all candy to make sure it has not been tampered with.
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10/15/2009
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