'Lucky 13' Safety Tips for Little Trick-or-Treaters
News Release: October 18, 2005
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
As ghosts, pirates and princesses prepare to descend on neighborhoods across
the Lehigh Valley this Halloween, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley offers parents some safety tips to help prepare their children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday.
“By following a few simple safety tips, parents can make this Halloween a safe and fun time for their little trick-or-treaters,” said local Red Cross officials. “Most Halloween injuries are preventable, if parents and children take some simple precautions.”
Following are “lucky 13" safety tips for parents to share with their trick-or-treaters to prevent injuries at Halloween.
Red Cross Halloween Safety Tips:
1. Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.
2. Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too!)
3. Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.
4. Cross the street only at corners.
5. Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.
6. Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
7. Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks; not in the street.
8. Carry a flashlight to light your way.
9. Visit homes that have the porch light on.
10. Keep away from open fires and candles. (Keep in mind that costumes can be extremely flammable.)
11. Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's home.
12. Be cautious of strangers and animals.
13. Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.
