HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Halloween began in the 19th century as a festival to mark the end of the harvest. People celebrated with a nighttime walk to frighten away roving spirits and some went begging door to door for the needy.
Since the 1800's Halloween has evolved into one of the most popular events of our time. Children and adults alike look forward to October 31st in anticipation of magic, make-believe and "Trick of Treat", but along with excitement comes the reality that Halloween "Trick or Treating" can also pose many dangers for children.
Each year, more than 650 children are hit by cars and killed and another 20,000 are injured and on Halloween children are 4 times more likely to be injured or killed than any other time of the year.
Bisnar Chase HAS MADE A COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY TO KEEP THE CHILDREN SAFE.
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN
MOTORISTS
The
National Safety Council urges motorists to be especially alert on Halloween
and offers the following driving tips:
- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- If you are driving children, be sure they exit on the curb side, away from traffic.
- Do not wear your mask while driving.
- At twilight or later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
BEFORE THEY GO OUT
Before children start out on their "trick or treat" rounds, parents should make sure that:
- An adult will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
- Children travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
- Children know to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
- Each child has change for a phone call in case they have a problem.
- A return time has been established.
- Youngsters understand not to eat any treat until you have inspected it.
- Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.
- Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules with the children.
COSTUME DESIGN
- Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
- Costumes should be loose, so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
- Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. (Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.)
- Outfits should be made with light-colored materials. Strips of reflective tape should be used to make children even more visible.
- For youngsters under the age of 12, attach their names, addresses and telephone numbers (including their area code) to their clothes where it will be easily visible.
FACE
DESIGN
- Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Facial make-up is safer and more colorful.
- When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," "Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow manufacturer's instruction for application.
- If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
ACCESSORIES
- Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
- Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if trick-or-treaters are allowed out after dark.
- Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.
ON THE WAY
Children should understand and follow these rules:
- Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
- Walk from house to house. Do not run. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
- Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, if there are no sidewalks.
TREATS
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat outing for children, parents are urged to:
- Give children an early meal before going out.
- Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
- Wash fruit, and slice it into small pieces.
- Report to the police anything that appears suspicious about treats.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Safety tips courtesy of the National Safety Council www.nsc.org
