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 kids 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 www.cincinnatiredcross.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 Cincinnati/Dayton Region serves a 36-county area in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. American Red Cross and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati-partners in fundraising. For more information, please visit www.cincinnatiredcross.org.
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