For trick-or-treaters, today is a dream come true: Halloween, on a Friday night, meaning no school in the morning and a whole weekend to burn off the sugar high, not to mention that the weather is likely to be dry.
Now it is up to the young ones, parents and drivers to make sure the dream doesn’t become a nightmare by following the annual precautions that can help ensure the evening remains the fun-filled holiday that it has become.
Here are some good tips to make the only scares come from costumed kids on the doorstep:
1. Accompany small and elementary school age children when they are trick-or-treating.
2. Parents should discuss safety precautions with children before leaving home.
3. Wear light colored costumes and carry a functioning flashlight. Masks should not hinder your child’s ability to see.
4. Walk on the sidewalk if available. Walk facing oncoming traffic.
5. Avoid rural roadways, which do not provide safe pedestrian access.
6. Use extra caution at street intersections and home driveways.
7. Motorists must be alert to the probability of increased foot traffic and exercise extreme caution. Watch for children darting out from between parked cars. Parents must anticipate a child’s unsafe actions due to the excitement of the outing.
8. Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only. Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten. Wash fruit and cut into pieces. When in doubt, throw it out.
9. Use caution around open flames from jack-o-lanterns and candles.
10. Do not go into any house. Have children stay within the neighborhood.
11. Reflective stripes of tape on clothing or handbags will increase visibility and safety after dark. Choose costumes that are flame retardant; flowing false wigs are usually flammable.
If parents, trick or treaters, and motorists take every possible safety precaution the tragedy of an accident can be avoided.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
