Halloween Safety

  • Published
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Halloween is a cherished tradition and can be fun for all ages but safety is the "trick" for making Halloween a real treat for the entire family.

During all the excitement of the night sometimes children and adults forget to be careful. The major dangers are not from spirits or witches but from falls, pedestrian/car crashes, and lack of supervision of the children.

The National Safety Council urges motorists to be especially alert watch for children darting in and out of parked cars, walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Watch for children in dark clothing.

Here are things to watch out for as a parent.....
- Make sure an adult or an older responsible youth can supervise 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 your children to travel in familiar areas.
- Establish a return time.
- Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
- Tell your youngster not to eat any treat until they return home.
- Pin a slip of paper with child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.

Costumes are very exciting for both children and parents alike and can be fun to put together but here are a few things to consider this year.....
- Only fire retardant material should be used for costumes.
- Costumes should be loose so warm clothes could be worn underneath.
- Costumes should not be so long as they are a tripping hazard. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries during Halloween.
- If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to make children visible at night.

Masks can be fun and easy to take on and off but can obstruct a child's vision and facial make-up should be used instead. If masks are worn they should have nose and mouth openings and large eyeholes. When buying Hallowing make-up, check for packaging containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," "Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-toxic." Follow manufacturer's instruction for application. Accessories like knives and swords should be made with cardboard or flexible materials.

Do not allow children to carry sharp objects. The bags carried by the youngsters should be light in color or have a retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.

Finally, carrying a flash lights will help the children see better and they will be seen more clearly. Both adults and children must think safety on this annual day of make believe and following these guidelines could help ensure a very Happy Halloween.

Information taken from a 36th Wing Halloween Safety brief and compiled by Tech Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.