A spooky, but safe, Halloween

By Karen Killen, EMT

Halloween is here again! Remember to stay safe while you are having fun.

Stay bright in the night! Glow sticks, reflective clothing, or reflective candy bags work great for making sure that kids can be seen after dark. Choose a costume for your child (and yourself) that allows easy movement so there is no danger of tripping and falling in the street. Also, be sure that you can see properly. Don’t wear a mask that obstructs vision. Face paint is a safer choice.

It’s also a good idea for kids to stick to the sidewalk and stay off the street itself. When trick or treating, travel up one side of the street and then go back down the other side, so you avoid crossing the street at random. Always stop and look both ways before crossing the streets and, on Halloween, look twice before you cross.

Try to stay in groups. If you have to walk alone, make sure you know your route well and you have told someone the route you’re taking, then stick to it. Before digging into your goodie bag have an adult check it over and only take homemade treats from places or people you know well.

For the drivers out there… kids are excited and may not be focused on safety as much as the “goodie gettin’.” Be extremely cautious when driving and please slow down.

Have a spooky, spectacular, safe Halloween!