Plan a safe Halloween!!

Halloween is a fun occasion for children to dress up in costumes, enjoy parties and eat delicious treats; however, it is scary for reasons beyond ghosts, goblins and witches.  It ranks as the third-deadliest day overall for pedestrians.  The nature of the holiday alone can make it dangerous, as children wear loose-fitting costumes they can trip over, candles glowing inside of pumpkins can cause fires, plastic swords can cause eye injuries and pumpkin carving can cause finger and hand injuries.

A little planning and some preventive teaching can help make this an unforgettable and safe Halloween for everyone.  Here are a few helpful tips for you:

• Costume weapons should be short, soft and flexible
• Wear reflective clothing or glow-stick ornaments
• Have your child eat dinner before trick or treating
• Carry a flashlight
• Only go to houses that are lit
• Always test make-up in a small area first and remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation
• Do not wear decorative contact lenses to avoid serious eye injury
• Look both ways before crossing the street.  Use crosswalks wherever possible
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and sturdy shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries.  Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes
• Walk in groups and always have a form of identification handy, in case you get separated

This Halloween, let’s follow these simple steps to keep our family safe so that the memories of the night can be cherished lifelong!