Stay safe during Halloween events

Published 5:29 pm Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Thursday is Halloween, and there’s no doubt that hundreds of young people will be filling our neighborhoods, in search of candy and other treats. Here are a few important safety tips, offered by the American Red Cross, to ensure that the holidays remain a fun time for everyone.

• Look for flame-resistant costumes.

• Plan the trick-or-treat route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.

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• Make sure the trick-or-treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing in order to be seen.

• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door — never go inside.

• Instead of masks, which can cover the eyes and make it hard to see, consider using face paint.

• 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.

• Be cautious around pets and any other animals.

If someone is welcoming Trick-or-Treaters at their home, they should make sure the outdoor light is on. Other safety steps include:

• Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.

• Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.

• Restrain any household pets.

• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.

For more Halloween safety tips, visit the Red Cross online at www.redcross.org, or download the American Red Cross’s apps in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.