TOPEKA, Kan. – On Halloween, ghosts and ghouls may give you a fright but real dangers, like pedestrian accidents, falls, burns and poisonings are a scary reality. Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Poison Center and the Kansas State Fire Marshal remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.
Halloween is the most dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as more children will be on the streets and sidewalks. Kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.
Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Children younger than age 12 should not cross streets on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager. If your children are mature enough to be out without supervision, make sure they keep to familiar areas that are well-lit, stick to a pre-planned route and trick-or-treat in groups. Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency but pay attention to your surroundings and don’t be distracted by texting or talking on the phone.
“On Halloween night, safety is a shared responsibility,” Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas, said. “Trick-or-treaters should carry a flashlight and be visible with reflective tape or stickers on costumes and treat bags, while drivers should slow down, stay alert and put away distractions.”
Remind children to be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers. Also, be aware that kids are in a candy-seeking mode, so keep medicine locked up and away and keep the Poison Help number programmed into your phone: 1-800-222-1222.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery-powered candles or lights. Remember to ensure your family has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, both inside and outside of every sleeping area.
“Halloween should be about fun and lasting memories. Check that costumes are flame-resistant, keep decorations away from heat sources, and make sure children are visible to drivers,” Mark Engholm, Kansas Fire Marshal, said. “Simple precautions can help keep families safe this Halloween.”
With Halloween just a few days away, follow these tips to ensure everyone has a fun and safe holiday:
Costume Safety
- Choose costumes and decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
- Prevent trips and falls by choosing a costume that is the right size and choose non-toxic face paint and makeup instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Make trick-or-treaters visible to drivers with reflective tape or stickers and carry glow sticks and flashlights to help see and be seen. Remind kids not to chew or bite glow sticks, as the liquid inside can irritate their mouths and eyes.
Decorate Safely
- Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, including candles, light bulbs and heaters.
- Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and decorations.
- Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.
- If you are attending parties or haunted houses, look for the exits in case of an emergency.
- If using dry ice, wear gloves or use tongs when handling it, and do not put it in cups where it could be swallowed and cause severe burns.
Walk Safely
- Stick to sidewalks or paths. Do not walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be hazards you can’t see.
- If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Only cross the street at corners and crosswalks – not between parked cars – and make eye contact and wave at drivers before crossing to ensure they see you.
- Pay attention to your surroundings and put away phones and other potential distractions.
Drive Safely
- Slow down and be alert in residential neighborhoods, especially when turning at intersections or entering and exiting driveways and alleys. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit safekids.org.
