|
|
|
|
Posted: 2:03 PM Nov 22, 2006
Last Updated: 2:03 PM Nov 22, 2006
|
|
|
|
Trick or Treat Safety | - A parent or responsible adult should
always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. - If your older children are going
alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. - Remind Trick-or Treaters:
· Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
· Carry a mobile phone for quick communication.
· Only go to homes with a porch light on.
· Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
· If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
· Never cut across yards or use alleys.
· Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
· Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
· Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
· Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
| Costume Safety | - Plan costumes that are bright and
reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. - Consider adding reflective tape or
striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. - Because masks can limit or block
eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. - When shopping for costumes, wigs and
accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. - If a sword, cane, or stick is a part
of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. - Obtain flashlights with fresh
batteries for all children and their escorts. - Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or
their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.
| Pumpkin Carving Safety | - Small children should never carve
pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. - Votive candles are safest for
candle-lit pumpkins. - Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a
sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.
| Safety at Home | - To keep homes safe for visiting
trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. - Parents should check outdoor lights
and replace burned-out bulbs. - Wet leaves should be swept from
sidewalks and steps. - Restrain pets so they do not
inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
| Healthy Halloween | - A good meal prior to parties and
trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. - Consider purchasing non-food treats
for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils. - Wait until children are home to sort
and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. - Try to ration treats for the days
following Halloween.
| Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|