Dog Bite
Alert &
Halloween Safety Tips
 This Newsletter is my way of sharing information helpful to keeping you and your family safe, informed, empowered or entertained. John Bisnar |
Millions of Bites Every Year
Be Safe This Halloween
- Every year an estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs.
- As many as 1 million people annually require medical treatment
for dog bites. Dog attacks send more than 334,000 people to the
emergency room every year.
- One million people report dog attacks every year; millions
go unreported.
- According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance companies paid $250 million for dog bite liability claims in 1996 alone.
CHILDREN ARE MOST OFTEN THE VICTIMS OF SERIOUS DOG ATTACKS.
- They are boisterous, loud and make unpredictable movements that
can scare explicit threat to the animal. And what a child might
see as an expression of love - a simple hug - can be an explicit
threat to the animal.
- With Halloween just around the corner here are some Halloween
Safety Tips from the Los Angeles Fire Department to help keep
you and your family safe.
BEFORE HALLOWEEN:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
- Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
- Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
- Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
- Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
- This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.
- Teach children to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
- Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire.
- Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.
- Discuss the dangers of approaching or petting unknown animals.
- Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.
- Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
- Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or
having a heart attack.
FUN ALTERNATIVES:
- Ask around your community for information on special events.
- Community Centers, Shopping Malls and Houses of Worship may have organized festivities.
- Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or
Senior Center.
BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN:
- A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
- Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
- Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children will be standing or walking.
- Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.
- Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
- Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
- Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
- Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.
WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:
- A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- Remind Trick-or Treaters:
- By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never approach or pet unknown animals.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
- Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
- Always walk. Never run across a street.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
- Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble-seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
- Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
- No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.
- Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately
of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
- Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause
choking (such as hard candies); are given only to those of an
appropriate age.
For More Information On Dog Bites Contact:
If you have important information, or an empowering or funny story that you would like to share with my readers please email it directly to me at: jbisnar@bestattorney.com.
--John Bisnar, Bisnar and Chase, LLP.
Visit Bisnar & Chase websites
for additional information regarding:
Email this important information
to someone you care about and help keep their Halloween safe.
Look for important Thanksgiving safety information coming in
November!
