Halloween Safety 2017
Pumpkins adorn sidewalks, store shelves are filled with candy and spooky décor hangs from home and business entry ways. That can only mean one thing, Halloween is fast approaching! Sure, this holiday season ‘kickoff’ event is chiefly about the treats like fun costume parties and of course the sugar overload of Halloween candy, but Halloween can sadly mean scary times if you don’t take steps to protect you and family. Ironically, while many think of October as the month for Halloween, it is also National Crime Prevention month. So here is important information to keep you and your family safe on this Spooktacular day.
When it comes to Halloween safety, of course much of it is centered around trick or treating. At the heart of it all, is proactive planning and staying alert and vigilant. Auto pedestrian accidents top the list of Halloween safety hazards related to trick or treating. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) children are 14 times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween, than any other day. So, what steps can you and your family take to avoid being a tragic statistic? For starters, make sure trick or treaters are clearly visible to drivers. Look for costumes that come with reflective fabric or markers. If that’s not possible, always carry flashlights while trick or treating. Trick-or-treating in a group can also be helpful. So, gather up your friends and neighbors and make it a true trick-or-treating affair!
Fire hazards are also something to keep top of mind. The two C’s; Costumes and Candles, are the biggest culprits. The National Fire Protection Association suggests buying only costumes that are labeled “flame resistant” or “flame retardant”. When it comes to those spooky Halloween candles and glowing Jack-o-Lanterns, make sure lit candles are never left unattended. As for the flickering orange glow of those Jack-o-Lanterns, keep trick-or-treaters at a distance, and admire that lit pumpkin artistry from afar.
Of course there is another ‘C’ to think about on Halloween..(drumroll please)…CANDY! Being smart and vigilant with your treats is just as important as trick-or-treat street safety, costumes and candles. First, never accept candy from strangers…and that goes for both children and adults. Parents, remember to check your children’s candy before they dive in and enjoy their stash.
Finally, here are a few other tips to think about as the ghoulish night approaches. First, if you’re hosting a party, make sure you’re well aware of everyone who comes to your home. Halloween provides an opportunity for people to hide behind costumes and disguises which unfortunately can create dangerous scenarios for people looking to do others harm. Second, don’t answer the door if you’re not certain that trick-or-treaters or party guests are on the other side of it. Halloween night can provide a dangerous backdrop for home invasions. Lastly, if you See something, Say something. No matter how small or insignificant something may seem, if it’s out of place or causes you to pause, call your local police department.
For more information on Halloween safety tips visit:
http://www.nsc.org/act/events/Pages/Halloween-Safety.aspx
https://www.familyeducation.com/life/halloween-safety/halloween-safety-hazards
http://www.ncpc.org/programs/crime-prevention-month/crime-prevention-month-and-halloween
… and as always remember to stay alert, stay prepared and have a SAFE and Spooktacular Halloween!
Posted by on 13 Oct 2017