Halloween safety tips

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Safety
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  "Don't take candy from strangers" is what we tell our children 364 days of the year.

Then, Halloween rolls around, and we send them out to take candy from every stranger in town.

Halloween is an exciting time of year for children, and we all need to do our part to ensure they have a safe and festive holiday experience.

Pedestrian safety must be high on your list of precautions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly four times as many children ages 5-14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening than on any other night of the year.

Remind your children to use crosswalks and sidewalks and to carry a flashlight. If you are driving, be extra careful of small witches, vampires, princesses and other beings.

Parents can help prevent children from getting injured by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC and the National Safety Council.

Children should:
· go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
· travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.
· know their phone number.
· have their names and addresses attached to their costumes.
· bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
· use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.

When walking in neighborhoods, children should:
· use flashlights, stay on sidewalks and avoid crossing yards.
· cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks where they exist and not cross between parked cars.
· stop at intersections and stay together in a group before crossing.
· Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant.
· consider using face paint instead of masks.

Having a safe Halloween will make happy, lasting memories for you and your children.