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 “We want everyone to enjoy this fun-filled night,” said Betsy
Pratt, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Central
and Southern Illinois Region. “The kids are excited, but first
parents need to make sure their kids know what to do in order to
have fun and stay safe.”
COSTUME SAFETY
Whether the little one wants to be a ghost, a princess or a
superhero, parents can help keep them safe by following some costume
advice:
Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
Use flame-resistant costumes.
Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes
and make it hard to see.
SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING
To maximize safety, plan the route ahead of time. Make sure adults
know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent
or responsible adult should accompany them as they make their way
around the neighborhood.
Other safety tips to follow include:
Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight to see where
they are going and be seen by drivers.
Visit only the homes that have a porch light on.
Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
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.
It’s not only vampires and monsters people have to look out for.
Be cautious around animals, especially dogs. WELCOMING THE
KIDS
If someone is manning the candy giveaway at their house, they can
make sure it’s a fun night for all by doing the following:
Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.
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Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child
could trip over.
Restrain the pets.
Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to
avoid a fire hazard.
Use extra caution if driving. The youngsters are excited and
may forget to look both ways before crossing
FIRST AID APP
Download the free Red Cross First Aid App. Users receive instant
access to expert advice for everyday emergencies whenever and
wherever they need it. Use the Emergency App for weather alerts and
to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find these
and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching
for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional
support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the
nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides
international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and
their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that
depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to
perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org
or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
[Trish Burnett, Regional
Communications Director, American Red Cross]
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