Here's some selected safety tips and reminders we've put
together from a variety of sources*
Halloween
safety lists began to emerge in the 1960s after rumors of candy laced with
drugs gained national attention. By the 70s, the press was reporting more and
more Halloween incidents, such as older children attacking younger children to
steal their candy, or children finding razor blades or broken pieces of glass
in their treats. Although studies, reports, and investigations have attributed
all incidents of Halloween sadism to pranks or diversions for other unrelated
crimes, trick-or-treating safety tips continue to surface every season. For
the most part, these holiday pointers offer common sense advice to prevent
careless accidents.
Safe trick-or-treating hints and tips:
Make
sure young children are accompanied by an adult or responsible teenager when
they go door-to-door.
If
you can't accompany your children, instruct them to trick-or-treat in their
own neighborhood and in well-lighted streets.
If
children are going to be out after dark, make sure they carry a flashlight.
Teach your children to use the sidewalks if they can. If there are no
sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing cars.
Know which friends your children will be with and which route they are taking.
Leave your porch light on so children will know it's OK to visit your home.
Instruct children never to eat anything until they are home and the treats
have been carefully examined. Cut and wash fruit before eating. Throw away
anything unwrapped. Check the wrappers of commercial treats for evidence of
tampering. Call the police if there are any suspicious treats.
Costume safety
Look
for the label Flame Resistant.
Avoid costumes with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
Choose costumes that are light and bright enough to be visible to motorists.
Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping.
Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. High heels are not a good
idea.
Hats and scarves should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over
children's eyes.
A
natural mask of cosmetics is better than a loose-fitting mask that might
restrict breathing or obscure vision.
Sword, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible
material.
Decorate costumes and treat bags with reflective tape.
