Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for Halloween

Last updated on Friday, October 30, 2015

(UNDATED) - Halloween is coming and pretty soon the streets will be filled with tiny ghosts and goblins, super heroes and princesses. Even vampires and witches need to know how to celebrate safely and the American Red Cross has steps people can follow to have a safe Halloween.

"We want everyone to enjoy this fun-filled night," said Chad Priest, Indiana Region CEO. "But adults first need to make sure kids in their care know what to do in order to have fun and stay safe."

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.

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.

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.
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.

Free 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.

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