With Halloween right around the corner, the American Red Cross would like everyone to stay safe when donning costumes and going out to trick or treat. Halloween’s greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and traffic accidents. The Red Cross is offering the following tips to help make this Halloween safe:

Tips for parents and trick-or-treaters

•Look for flame-resistant costumes.

•Plan the trick or treat route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.

•Make sure the trick-or-treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treating bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing in order to be seen.

•Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

•Instead of masks, which can cover the eyes and make it hard to see, consider using face paint.

•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.

•Be cautious around pets and any other animals.

 

Tips for homeowners

•If welcoming trick-or-treaters at home, make sure the outdoor light is on.

•Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.

•Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.

•Restrain any household pets.

•Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.