Halloween with all of its parties, treats, tricks and spooky events may rank second only to Christmas on kids’ list of most anticipated holidays.
Despite the fun and excitement the holiday brings, it also brings with it some dangers if precautions and safety aren’t observed.
Here’s a scary statistic from the National Safety Council: 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. In 2017, October ranked No. 2 in motor vehicle deaths by month, with 3,700. July is No. 1, with 3,830 deaths.
To help ensure Halloween is all treats and no tricks fro the NSC, here are some safety tips to make a safe and happy holiday.
Costume Safety
To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips. Before Halloween arrives, 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
