Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for Halloween

Bozeman, MT October 28, 2015 — Halloween is coming and pretty soon the streets will be filled with tiny ghosts and goblins, super heroes and princesses. Even vampires and witches need to know how to celebrate safely and the American Red Cross has steps people can follow to have a safe Halloween.

“We want everyone to enjoy this fun-filled night,” says Diane Wright, Executive director of Montana Red Dross. “While kids get ready to head out into the neighborhood, parents need to make sure they know what to do in order to have fun and stay safe.”

COSTUME SAFETY Whether the little one wants to be a ghost, a princess or a superhero, parents can help keep them safe by following some costume advice:
• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Have everyone wear light-colored clothing so they can be spotted in the dark.
• Use flame-resistant costumes.
• Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.

SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING To maximize safety, plan the route ahead of time. Make sure you know where your children are going. If your kids are young, you or another responsible adult should accompany them as they make their way around the neighborhood.

Other safety tips to follow include:
• Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight to see where they are going and to be seen by drivers.
• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never let your kids go inside.
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• It’s not only vampires and monsters people have to look out for. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

WELCOMING TRICK-OR-TREATERS AT YOUR HOUSE If someone is manning the candy giveaway at your house, they can make sure it’s a fun night for all by doing the following:
• Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
• Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.
• Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restrain pets.
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.
• Use extra caution if driving. Kids are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing