How to Have a Safe & Happy Halloween
Halloween was a fun day at our house. Not only was our first daughter born on Halloween night, but she also came into this world during the midnight hour on Halloween! She was several years old before fully realizing all the Halloween festivities weren’t simply one big birthday celebration.
Halloween can be a fun time for children and parents alike. Check out these important tips for safe trick-or-treaters (thanks to the CDC for the format idea):
S Swords, knives, and other costume props should be short, soft, and flexible.
A Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F Fasten reflective tape to children’s costumes and bags to help drivers see them.
E Examine treats for choking hazards and possible tampering.
H Hold a flashlight to help others see you. Walk, don’t run.
A Always test makeup on a small patch of skin first. Remove it before bedtime.
L Look before crossing streets. In October pedestrian verses auto fatalities spike.
L Lower the risk of serious eye injury – Do not use decorative contact lenses.
O Only use sidewalks or far edge of roadways facing traffic when walking.
W Wear well-fitting masks and costumes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
E Eat factory wrapped treats. Avoid homemade treats from those you don’t know.
E Only enter well-lit homes with a trusted adult. Never accept rides from strangers.
N Never walk near candles or luminaries. Wear flame-resistant costumes.
And of course, put the phone down! Sure, take a picture of the gang – but don’t get distracted.
Frank Wampol, BL Harbert Safety Director