Community Corner
10 Halloween Safety Tips For Your Trick-Or-Treaters
The American Red Cross issued a reminder checklist -- well worth reading, Mom and Dad! -- to make sure the holiday ends on a fun note.
CALIFORNIA – Halloween, one of the most popular holidays in this country, is fast approaching, and little witches, ghosts, princesses, pirates and other costumed creatures will take to the streets Wednesday for trick-or-treat fun.
To ensure all stay safe, the American Red Cross offers 10 safety tips and great reminders for parents and residents to keep the festivities horror-free.
1) Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen.
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- Use face makeup instead of masks. Masks can make it hard to see.
- Give kids flashlights to light their way.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
2) Use flame-resistant costumes.
3) Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance.
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- Make sure adults know where their children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door in neighborhoods.
4) It’s not only vampires and monsters for which people have to look out.
- Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
5) Walk, don’t run.
6) Only visit homes that have porch lights on.
- Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
7) Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
- Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
- Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
- Don’t cross between parked cars.
- Use extra caution if driving. The youngsters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.
8) Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating.
- Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
- Discard any items with brand names of which parents are unfamiliar.
And for those planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to their homes, follow these safety steps:
9) Light the areas well, so young visitors can see.
10) Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porches or front yards of obstacles over which someone could trip.
For instant access to expert advice in case your ghost, goblin or super hero has a mishap, download the free Red Cross First Aid App.
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