These ghastly "tricks" have abated over the years, and the Safety Pumpkin program has gone on recess. But Halloween safety is still a concern for the Red Cross.
This week, the American Red Cross has offered these tips for trick-or-treaters and parents as they look ahead to Monday, Oct. 31:
As ghosts and vampires get ready to roam the streets, the American Red Cross has tips to make this a frightfully safe Halloween.
Costume Safety
Whether a child wants to be a princess, a monster or a superhero for Halloween, parents can help keep it safe by:
§ Adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
§ Using flame-resistant costumes.
§ Using face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.
Navigating the Neighborhood
To maximize safety, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood.
Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:
§ Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
§ Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
§ 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.
§ Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
Trick or Treat!
For those who expect to greet trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:
§ Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
§ Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
§ Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
§ Restrain pets.
§ Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.
Visit redcross.org for more advice on having a safe and fun Halloween.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
