Easy tips to make Halloween safe and fun

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Evan M. Ross
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Halloween is a night for fun and treats. However, roughly four times as many children are killed while walking on Halloween each year than any other evening according to wing safety officials.

"A few simple steps can ensure that Halloween injuries are virtually eliminated so that the evening can be one to remember," said Paul Blair, wing safety official.

Blair had a number of other suggestions to make Halloween as safe as possible.

When purchasing or making costumes, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester. This is especially important with masks, beards, wigs, baggy sleeves, billowing skirts or other items that hang away from the body.

Make sure that costumes are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. You can usually find reflective tape in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.

Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground as this creates a tripping hazard. Additionally, over-sized high heels are not recommended as ankle injuries could easily occur.

For accessories, ensure that masks provide adequate field of vision and ventilation, and swords, knives or other hand-held costume accessories are made of soft flexible materials. Also, carrying a flashlight is always a good idea.

Warn children not to eat any candy before an adult examines them carefully for evidence of tampering. Do not allow young children to have anything that may be a choking hazard or has small parts that could become a choking hazard.

Remind your children that traffic signs should still be obeyed, even on Halloween. Make sure your children always look both ways before crossing a street. Staying on sidewalks, where possible, is the safest way to navigate neighborhoods. Also, cutting through lawns is not recommended as objects on the ground may be a tripping hazard.

Having your children approach only lit houses is a way to lower the potential danger of trick-or-treating, but wing safety officials say not to leave it up to your children.

"Ideally, children of any age should be accompanied by an adult, particularly up to the age of about 12," said Blair.

If you will not be accompanying your children, make sure they know what time they are expected to be home.

Home owners, ensure that your yard is clear of any tripping hazards. Also, battery powered jack-o'-lanterns and other decorations are always preferable to real flames.

For motorists, watch out for children darting out from between parked cars, and watch out for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

"A safe Halloween is one you will remember for years, and following these simple steps will help make the evening safe and fun for everyone," said Blair.