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Halloween Safety
It’s the time of year when pumpkins are proudly displayed on doorsteps and witches can be seen going door-to-door seeking treats. Halloween is a fun holiday for kids of all ages and Safe Kids Savannah wants to make sure that all the little ghosts and goblins stay safe while trick-or-treating this Halloween.
When the sun goes down and the costumes come out on Halloween, it’s important for both parents and children to keep safety top-of-mind. Safe Kids USA offers the following recommendations for children this during this spooky season:
* If under age 10, always trick-or-treat with an adult
* Only trick-or-treat in familiar areas that are well lit
* Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
* Look left, right, and left again when crossing; always walk, don’t run, when crossing streets
* Make eye contact with drivers and watch for cars that are turning or backing up
* Walk on sidewalks or paths; if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible
* Never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars
* Wear light-colored, flame-retardant, costumes decorated with retro-reflective tape or stickers |
* Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls
* Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers
* Wear face paint and makeup; a mask can restrict a child’s vision
Trick-or-treaters aren’t the only ones that need to pay special attention to safety on October 31. Drivers also need to make sure that they do their part to keep the streets safe. Safe Kids USA recommends that drivers:
* Be especially alert in residential neighborhoods drive more slowly and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic on and near the road
* Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances
* Take extra time to actively look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs
* Remember that costumes can limit children’s visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle
* Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully
* Remember that children are excited on this night and may move in unpredictable ways. Also remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period, between 5:30-9:30 p.m.
* Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and pedestrians
Do your part to make sure that this Halloween is safe for everyone. For more information on Halloween safety, visit the Safe Kids USA web site.