October 27, 2005

With Halloween approaching, Michigan SAFE Kids Coalition reminds parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of children participating in trick-or-treating.

“Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year, so all the usual rules of pedestrian safety must still apply on Halloween,” said Jeff Spitzley, Michigan SAFE Kids Coalition Coordinator. “Walk, don’t run. Cross the street only at a crosswalk or corner, after looking both ways, and never dart out into the street.”

Costumes and candy bags should be decorated with retroreflective tape and, if possible, made of light colors. Kids can carry glow sticks or flashlights to be more visible. Also, children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

“Naturally, kids will be excited, and they’ll need active supervision,” Spitzley said. “Older kids who have demonstrated the maturity and good judgment to go trick-or-treating with friends without adult supervision should stick to a predetermined route with good lighting.”

There are also things drivers can do to help prevent accidents. Spitzley encourages drivers to do their part by being especially careful in residential neighborhoods and to slow down and look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.

Other Halloween hazards and precautions include:

Falls

· Costumes should be short enough to avoid tripping, and shoes and headgear should fit properly.

· Instead of masks, choose face paint and makeup because they do not restrict vision.

· Toy weapons and other props should be flexible so they do not present an injury hazard if the child falls.

· Children should not cut across yards, where stones, lawn ornaments, and other hazards may be hard to see in the dark.

· Keep doorsteps and porches clear and well lit.

Burns

· Make sure store-bought costumes and accessories are labeled “flame resistant”.

· Use flame resistant material when making costumes.

· Avoid baggy, flimsy or billowing costumes.

· Keep lit jack-o’-lanterns away from doorsteps and walkways, and consider using glow sticks instead of candles.

Choking

· Parents should inspect candy and treats before allowing kids to eat them to make sure they are sealed and have no signs of tampering.

·Children under age six should not be given hard candy or other small, round items.

For more information about pedestrian safety, falls, burns, or airway safety visit www.safekids.org. The Michigan Department of Community Health is the lead agency for the Michigan SAFE Kids Coalition.