Avoid Accidents and Mishaps that Mar Halloween

By Abigail Adams

The holiday's greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and traffic accidents. Have a safe night of trick-or-treating with these tips:

Costume Safety

Whether a child wants to be a princess, a monster or a superhero for Halloween, parents can help keep it safe by using these simple tips when preparing costumes:

·  Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

·  Use flame-resistant costumes.

·  Use 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, 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.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.