Dec 18 2011
Halloween: Safety tips to keep the annual hunt for candy a safe one – Santa Paula Times
Halloween: Safety tips to keep the annual hunt for candy a safe one By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula News Published: October 28, 2011
Monday is Halloween, one of the most popular nights of the year for children who love to dress up and roam the streets in search of candy and adventure.
But with the fun comes paying close attention to safety to ensure that Trick-or-Treating doesn?t turn tragic.
?Children really love Halloween,? and Fire Chief Rick Araiza said ?it should just be a night of fun for them. But even having fun takes a bit of planning.?
Parents should accompany children under age 12, carry a flashlight, and not let them approach homes where they don?t know the occupants. although parents must stress how important it is for Trick-or-Treaters to always walk on sidewalks or paths and to cross the street safely at corners, drivers must also be alert for unexpected ghouls and goblins darting into the street.?
Look for the words ?flame retardant? or flame resistant? on costume boxes, and don?t buy those without the designation. make sure the costume fits the child to lessen the risk of trips and falls, and avoid anything other than sturdy, covered shoes.
Use face paint instead of a mask, as masks restrict visibility. besides, it?s more fun for trick-or-treaters to have fun with makeup.
Never carry candles, torches or other open flames as part of a costume. Those expecting little visitors must also take care by using battery-operated lights in carved pumpkins, and not having candles or other open flames on porches or other areas where they could come in contact with a costume. Clear the yard and front porch of anything – such as hoses, rakes or potted plants – that could present a trip hazard, and make sure walkways and porches are well-lighted to help prevent falls.
If you don?t want to distribute candy, think of protein bars or other healthy snacks. Kids love spare change, but be careful handing it out to smaller children; change should be in tightly sealed plastic bags.
Don?t let the children eat candy as they Trick-or-Treat; let them have limited amounts at home but only after parents examine all candy that is collected. Discard any unwrapped candy or anything that looks or even feels suspicious.
Halloween: Safety tips to keep the annual hunt for candy a safe one – Santa Paula Times
