It’s
that time of year once again when the leaves have all fallen and they make a
satisfying crunch when taking a cool, breezy late afternoon walk. Now that it
is the end of October, the fun, kid-friendly holiday of Halloween is upon us! A
big concern of parents around this time of year (after making sure the child’s
costume allows for the possibility of a snowsuit underneath) is making sure
that kids stay safe while trick-or-treating. I would say safe AND healthy, but
we all know Halloween is not about health with all the candy! Read on for tips
on how to keep people safe this spooky day!
The CDC
recommends the following acronym:
Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories
should be short, soft, and flexible.
Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or
with a trusted adult.
Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to
help drivers see you.
Examine all treats for choking hazards and
tampering before eating them. Limit the
amount
of treats you eat.
Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help
you see and others see you. Always
WALK
and don't run from house to house.
Always test make-up in a small
area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible
skin
and eye irritation.
Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established
crosswalks wherever
possible.
Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not
wearing decorative contact lenses.
Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on
the far edge of the road facing traffic
to
stay safe.
Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to
avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating
homemade treats made by strangers.
Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.
Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at
dark
houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure
to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Other tips can include making sure you plan your route
before you go out. Go during daylight hours so you can see any obstacles or
possible problems. Try to stick to familiar neighborhoods. Wear comfortable
shoes (like sneakers). Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground. Try to find
costumes that are bathroom friendly. Stay hydrated and check for signs of
over-heating. Make sure kids eat before they go out. Keep track of time and, as
a general rule, don’t trick-or-treat past 9 p.m.
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