2009-10-21 - Red Cross Offers Simple Tips for a Safe Halloween

PITTSBURGH – Halloween is the time of year for spooky stories, trick-or-treating and mischief. As children prepare their costumes and parents stock up on treats to handout, it is important to remember safety this Halloween. The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter offers the following tips for parents and children alike to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Accept treats only at the door.  Never enter a stranger’s house. Inspect candy closely before eating it.  Candy with opened or torn wrappers should be thrown away.  Small candy should not be given to young children, as it is a choking hazard. Only trick-or-treat at houses with the lights on.  Avoid homes that do not have lights out as this is an indication they’re not participating. Be careful of strangers and animals.  Be especially careful to avoid stray dogs. Use your street smarts.  Walk on the sidewalk, not the street. Look both ways before crossing and only cross at the corners.  Never enter a strangers’ vehicle or hide between cars. Do not walk on the lawns. Make yourself as visible as possible.  Try attaching reflective tape to your clothing and props, such as broomsticks.  Also put reflective tapes on bicycles, scooters and skateboards. Use face paint instead of masks.  Masks make it harder to for you to see, making it more likely for you to fall or have an accident. Be careful near open flames.  Costumes can be very flammable, and long capes or dresses can be particularly easy to catch fire. Try using glow sticks in your jack-o-lanterns instead of candles, and avoid open flames as much as possible. Bring a flashlight.  Using a flashlight will help you to clearly see your way and help cars better see you. Plan your trick-or-treating route.  Parents and children should map out a route together to avoid any dangerous situations. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. For more information on Halloween safety, and other helpful safety tips, visit swpa.redcross.org. Have a safe and happy Halloween!