According to Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide, a network of organizations geared toward preventing unintentional childhood injury, Halloween is an important night for parents to be extra vigilant. To ensure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween, here are some safety tips to follow.
* Go in groups. Children can be accompanied by their parents while older children should be encouraged to trick-or-treat in groups.
* Use a flashlight. When trick-or-treating at night, take steps to improve visibility. This includes using reflective tape on costumes and carrying a flashlight or glow sticks.
* Walk on sidewalks. Avoid walking in the street, where the risk of being hit by a car is considerable.
* Avoid distractions. Trick-or-treaters should not be wearing earbuds or talking on a phone while trick-or-treating.
* Do not enter homes. Let kids know they should only enter the homes of known friends, and even then they should only do so after getting permission from a parent.
* Consume only factory-wrapped treats.
* Wear well-fitting shoes. Shoes that are uncomfortable or loose can cause children to fall and risk injury.
* Adults should drive carefully.