Spooktacular Halloween Tips

The most dangerous day of the year for child pedestrians is Halloween. On average, over two times as many child pedestrians die on Halloween compared to other days. Why? According to the National Safety Council, 89% of kids participate in Halloween and 73% of kids go trick-or-treating door-to-door.

Halloween Safety Tips

-Costumes should be made of fireproof fabric and include reflectors and bright colors.

-Costumes should not obstruct vision or movement.

-Make sure masks have large eye, nose and mouth openings.

-Costumes including shoes should be well-fitted.

-To increase visibility carry a flashlight or clip a glow stick to their outfit.

-Remind your child to never enter a stranger’s home.

-Adults should always accompany children under 12.

-Children over 12 should go in groups and stick to familiar areas.

-The lights at street corners provide safe places to cross.

-Look left-right-left when crossing streets and keep eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.

-Watch out for vehicles backing out of driveways.

Halloween is an exciting time for kids, but can be worrisome for parents. This year leave the fear to spooky movies and pick a costume that’s fun and safe for your child. “Parents with children in car seats need to make sure their costume doesn’t interfere with the proper fit and function of the car seats,” said Heidi Moran, Richland County Car Seat Coordinator. “Also, have your little ghouls and goblins buckled-up when the vehicle is in motion, everyone, every time.” Be Safe out there, Happy Halloween!

If you have any questions, need some additional information on Halloween Safety or would like to be a member of the Injury Prevention/DUI Task Force please contact Don Smies, Coordinator 406-433-2207. Check us out on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/RichlandCountyHealthDepartment.