Halloween safety

  • Published
  • By Rod Krause
  • 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Halloween is a tradition filled with excitement throughout the night which can cause children to forget to be careful. Safety is the real "trick" to making Halloween a real treat for the entire family.

The major dangers are not from witches or spirits, but rather from falls and pedestrian accidents. Children ages 5-14 are four times more likely to be killed while walking on Halloween evening compared with other evenings of the year. Falls are the leading cause of injuries among children on Halloween. Many Halloween related injuries can be prevented if parents closely supervise school-aged children during trick-or-treat activities.

Parents can help prevent children from getting injured at Halloween by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council.

Children should understand and follow these rules:
· Walk; do not run, from house to house.
· Cross streets at the corners, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars.
· Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
· Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
· Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.

Parents and adults should:
· Make sure an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
· Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.
· Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
· Teach children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
· Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.

It is also important for motorists to please keep in mind that many children will be out and often times they disregard the necessary pedestrian safety precautions. Some may cross in the middle of the block or run out into the streets unexpectedly. Drive slowly and with caution in the neighborhoods and pay attention.

Remember, Halloween can be fun for everyone as long as we take care of each other and our children. Follow these simple tips and you are sure to have a fun and frightful Halloween.