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by Stephanie Nau – KTVO
KIRKSVILLE, MO — The American Red Cross has some important safety tips to help everyone of all ages enjoy the Halloween festivities safely.
Use face makeup instead of masks to improve vision.
Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
Use flame-resistant costumes and wigs.
When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric so no one trips and falls.
Avoid using decorative contact lenses to avoid problems with your eyes.
Have your trick-or-treaters walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
Drivers — use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing. As the sun goes down, watch for children in dark clothing.
Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
If older children are going alone, plan their route. Set a specific time they should return home. Teach them to only visit homes that have a porch light on, to accept treats at the door and never go inside.
Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
Walk, don’t run.
Check all goodies before the kids dig in. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, light the area well and sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear obstacles someone could trip over.
If you are hosting a party, collect car keys from guests who are drinking. Provide non-alcoholic options. Have a plan to make sure guests get home safely – ride-sharing, taxis or, if you haven’t been drinking, drive guests home yourself.
If drinking is part of your plans, choose a designated driver or plan how you will get home without getting behind the wheel.
If carving pumpkins, don’t use candles to light them. Instead, try battery-operated lights or glow sticks.
Make sure pets can’t get at any Halloween treats – the treats can be toxic for animals.
If you’re considering a costume for your pet, make sure the animal is okay with the idea and that the costume doesn’t limit their movement or hamper their breathing or sight.
Halloween can spook your pets, causing them to run away. Make sure your pet wears a pet ID. If they are going out after dark, make sure they wear a reflective collar and are securely leashed.
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