It's that time of year... the time when tricksters and prankster come out of the wood work in search of copious amounts of sweets and candies... and if you don't have it, beware!

Here are some tips and tricks from Michelle Davison and the team at the American Red Cross of North Louisiana. Not only is the Red Cross available to help in disasters and emergencies, they also teach life saving skills, provide humanitarian aid and support members of the military and their families. Here's another way they're helping our local community.

BTW, it's always a good idea to have the Red Cross First Aid app on your phone. You can download it here.

Less than a week away, Halloween is that time of year when children take to the streets for an evening of fun and frights. The American Red Cross has some safety tips to help stay safe this Halloween while enjoying the festivities.

“Halloween can be a fun holiday where kids and their family get to dress up, walk the streets, and celebrate with their neighbors,” says Joshua Joachim, regional executive for the Red Cross in Louisiana. “As days become shorter, the Red Cross recommends the following safety tips for parents and those welcoming trick-or-treaters to ensure everyone participating stays safe throughout the evening stroll.”

 

SAFETY TIPS FOR TRICK-or-TREATERS

  1. Use only flame-resistant costumes.
  2. Plan the trick-or-treat route – make sure adults know where children are going.
  3. Have a parent or responsible adult accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.
  4. Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen. Give them a flashlight to light their way. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to help be seen.
  5. Instead of masks which can cover the eyes and make it hard to see, use face paint instead.
  6. Be cautious around animals.
  7. Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
  8. 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.
  9. Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating. Remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
  10. Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.

TIPS FOR WELCOMING CHILDREN ON HALLOWEEN

People, who are planning on welcoming trick-or-treaters to their home, should follow these safety steps:

  • Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.

  • Clear the porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

  • Restrain pets.

  • Light the area well so the young visitors can see where they are going.

More From Highway 98.9