Have a happy, and most importantly, SAFE night.
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Safety Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. Issues Halloween Safety Tips
Children will be hitting the streets this Halloween night in hopes of filling their pillowcases with sugarcoated treats. While the holiday is filled with fun for kids, parents are strongly cautioned to take certain safety measures to prevent injury or tragedy.
"Supervision is key", said Donna Bryan, spokesperson for the Council. "Predators may target unwatched children. Also, drivers need to be especially cautious of trick or treaters."
The Safety Council offers these safety tips for trick-or-treaters and their parents:
. Drivers should avoid all distractions, like using cell phones and texting.
„h Costumes should be bright and light enough to be clearly visible to motorists. Wearing reflective tape is a good idea. Carry a flashlight and use it.
„h Costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping and falling. Costumes made of fire resistant material are ideal.
„h Hats and masks should fit securely to prevent them from slipping over the eyes.
„h Apply a cosmetic mask, such as face paint, instead of a fitted one. They allow you to be more creative and safer.
„h Always make sure an adult is supervising the children who are trick-or-treating.
„h Older children who are traveling without a parent should travel in a group and have a pre-planned safe route, know this route and set a time for them to return home.
„h Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism.
„h Children should only go to homes with the outside lights on, and should be reminded never to enter any stranger’s home.
„h Tell your children that all candy is to be inspected by you before they taste any. Give children a hearty meal before trick or treating so they are less tempted to eat their candy before you inspect it.
„h Remind children to walk on sidewalks, cross only at corners, and stay away from parked cars. Likewise, remind your teen drivers to be especially careful of younger children who may be zigzagging across residential roads.
„h Remove hazards from your own yard, steps, and porch to avoid children getting injured at your home.
„h Place jack-o-lanterns and candles where they cannot be knocked over or reached by children.
„h Consider having a Halloween party, or attending other Halloween events and parties in place of trick-or-treating this year.
„h Remember to have the children stay hydrated if it is a hot South Florida Halloween night.
