NEWS
RELEASE
Contact:
512-930-4387
Halloween fun begins with safety in
mind
October 22, 2004
(
According to the
National SAFE KIDS Campaign, children are four times more
likely to be hit by
a car on Halloween than on any other night of the year. This year may be
even more of a safety issue because daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. Oct.
31. When we turn the clock back, we'll lose an hour of daylight for
children walking through neighborhoods.
The
* Look left, right and left again for
cars and trucks before crossing
the street. Walk on sidewalks. If there is no
sidewalk, walk on the left
side of the road facing traffic.
* Walk, don't
run.
* Don't cut across lawns or go through backyards, parks and alleys.
*
Don't hide behind cars or cross the street from between parked cars;
go to a
corner.
* Never accept rides from strangers or take treats from someone
who's
in a car or truck.
* Use a flashlight with fresh batteries.
*
Wear light-colored costumes and put reflective strips on them. Be
sure
costumes are short enough so you will not trip.
* Wear comfortable shoes that
fit. High heels or big floppy shoes are
not safe for walking. Save them for
indoor parties.
* Use face paint rather than a mask or hood that covers your
eyes.
* Stay away from lighted candles, matches and open fires.
* Be
careful around animals. Even pets you know may be scared by
costumes and loud
or strange noises.
* Trick-or-treat only at houses where you know the people
and then
only if the porch light is on.
* Don't eat any treats until they
are checked by an adult.
WCCHD and DSHS offer these safety suggestions
for adults:
* Accompany trick-or-treaters 12 and under.
* Look for a
"flame resistant" label on costumes, masks, beards and
wigs. Use
fire-resistant materials when making costumes.
* Be sure children carry only
soft, flexible knives, swords or other
props.
* Set a time for older
children to be home. Know the route they will
take.
* Never let a child go
trick-or-treating alone. Be sure at least two
buddies go together.
*
Remove breakable items or obstacles such as ladders, tools and toys
from your
yard.
* Keep jack-o'-lanterns and lighted candles away from areas
where
costumes or paper decorations might touch the flame.
WCCHD and
DSHS offer this safety information for motorists:
* Slow down in
residential neighborhoods.
* Watch for children in the street, on medians
and at curbs. Be
especially aware that children may cross the street in the
middle of the
block.
* Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.
*
Be extra careful backing up in all locations, including parking
lots.
* If
you are driving children around for trick-or-treating, be sure
they get in
and out of the car on the curb side of the car, away from
traffic.
* Do
not wear a Halloween mask while driving.
"Focus first on safety
then on treats so everyone can have a Happy Halloween," says
-30-