Having fun should be foremost on everyone’s minds as we approach a weekend of Halloween and fall festival events, but safety should be just as much of a priority.
There are several pointers for staying safe, many of which we could recite from memory. We can’t afford to be remiss, however, when it comes to the well-being of children, so the pointers bear repeating.
Trick-or-treaters should wear costumes that are reflective or have some sort of reflective tape attached to them. This makes a child more visible to motorists as he or she collects candy in the neighborhood. Besides, this is a good idea anyway; it will be Halloween, and you’ll want everyone to see how you’ve dressed up. It’s also a good idea to carry a flashlight.
Walkers also are responsible for making sure they obey the rules, as well; make sure you and your children stick to the sidewalk or stay as close as possible to the edge of the road and facing traffic.
And while children are out, they shouldn’t be alone. Preferably, parents should accompany their children during a trick-or-treating excursion. Halloween is supposed to be more fun than frightening, and nothing is scarier than the thought of a child in real danger.
Parents also should exercise good judgment in where they allow their children to go trick-or-treating. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends visiting only those houses where parents know the residents and outside lights are burning as a welcome.
People expecting trick-or-treaters should also be thinking beyond the candy and spooky decorations they’ll have; the commission also advises them to remove from their lawns, steps and porches any items that could become obstacles. In addition, candlelit jack-o’-lanterns should be far away from the paths of any trick-or-treaters approaching a house so that no one’s costume will brush against the flame and catch fire. Store-bought decorations that don’t require candles could be an even safer alternative.
Parents should look for flame-resistant costumes — but note that the designation doesn’t mean a costume won’t catch fire. They also should ensure their children aren’t wearing costumes that are too baggy, which will help avoid coming into contact with ignition sources.
Children shouldn’t eat anything parents haven’t inspected for tampering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site recommends eating only factory-wrapped sweets and avoiding homemade treats “unless you know the cook well.”
If Halloween and the idea of trick-or-treating seem too daunting, several local schools and places of worship are holding alternate events that parents can consider. Many of these are listed in our Community Planner and Church News sections as well as on the Web at www.scnow.com. Of course, parents should ensure that these events are legitimate and accompany their children, regardless.
Stay safe, have fun, and don’t eat too much candy!
ON THE WEB
For more information on Halloween safety, visit the following sites:
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/hallow.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/
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