Top 10 Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating from the Red Cross
It's almost time for all of the little ghosts and goblins to come out to play! Let's make sure everyone has a good time with no unintended bumps, bruises, or worse!
Before anything else, you want to know if there are any sex offenders in your neighborhood. They are prohibited by law from participating in tonight's festivities and which includes not being allowed to hand out candy. Check the status of your neighborhood by visiting the Louisiana State Police website.
It's that time of year... the time when tricksters and pranksters come out of the woodwork in search of copious amounts of sweets and candy... and if you don't have it, beware! I'm not saying your house is going to get toilet-papered, but it could.
Here are some tips and tricks from the American Red Cross of North Louisiana for a fun night of trick or treating. Not only is the Red Cross available to help in disasters and emergencies, but they also teach life-saving skills, provide humanitarian aid, and they support members of the military and their families.
10 Tips from the American Red Cross for safe and fun trick or treating:
1. Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
- Use face makeup instead of masks which makes seeing difficult.
- Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
2. Use flame-resistant costumes.
3. Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
4. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
5. Walk, don’t run.
6. Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
7. 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.
- Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
8. A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.
- Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages, and choking hazards.
- Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:
9. Light the area well so young visitors can see.
10. Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.