Tips on how to keep your child safe this Halloween
9:43 a.m. Monday, October 29, 2007
Halloween offers an opportunity for kids to breaks the rules, one of which is being out in the dark hours of the evening.
However, that freedom to roam the neighborhood past sunset brings a risk of being ran over.
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other night of the year, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
To combat that trend, parents can give their children glow sticks and necklaces. It not only helps motorists see children, but the children love the glowing accessories, said Safe Kids Kansas Outreach Coordinator Cherie Sage. Parents can also use reflective tape.
Dry ice dangers
Some people use dry ice to create a spooky fog. But, a lot of people don't understand how to handle it, said Safe Kids Kansas Outreach Coordinator Cherie Sage. Parents can also use reflective tape. It is a toxic substance containing carbon dioxide. Those using dry ice, or those who will be around it, should follow these guidelines:
- Never eat or swallow dry ice.
- Do not touch dry ice with your skin as it can cause burns.
- Never lay down or place children or pets in the fog that comes from dry ice
Sage also suggests sending a flashlight along with kids. This allows them to see where they are going "so they don't trip and fall, which is another big hazard," Sage said.
Children's costumes should be brightly colored, if possible. If not, the glowing accessories or reflective tape should be used, she said.
Also, avoid flammable materials and choose a costume that is easy for the child to move in.
"Also, we want to make sure they don't have a mask that restricts their ... ability to see on-coming traffic or hazards in lawns," Sage said.
Drivers should also be on the look out for pedestrians and slow down during the hours of 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
However, drivers pose a risk to trick or treaters who should always look left, right and left again and who should cross at designated crosswalks.
"It is always a good idea to make eye contact with that driver, give them a little wave," she said. "Never assume that that driver sees you."
Parents should inspect kids' candy and toss out homemade treats, especially if it comes from a home where parents don't know the homeowner.
"If any piece of candy is questionable, just throw it away," she said.
Sage says that trick or treaters under the age of 11 should be supervised by a parent or guardian. If parents opt to let their child trick or treat alone, they should set a predetermined, well-lit route and have a set time when the child should arrive home.
"It's also a good idea for that child to have a cell phone, so if they run into any trouble, they can call you," Sage said.
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