American Red Cross Offers 'Trick' to Safety This Halloween for Children, Parents, Drivers and Pets
News Release: October 23, 2009
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley offers these simple tips to fill your Halloween night with spooky fun, tasty treats, and safety for everyone.

Tips to Teach Children

  • Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.


  • Stay on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.


  • Look both ways before crossing the street. Cross the street only at corners, not in the middle of the block and stay together in a group before crossing.


  • Wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you are more visible.


  • Use face paint rather than masks or big floppy hats that will cover your eyes.


  • Don't wear long, baggy, or loose costumes or extra-large shoes - you could trip and fall.


  • Carry a flashlight to light your way.


  • Only visit well-lit homes that have a front-porch light on.


  • Accept treats at the door; never go into a stranger's house or apartment.


  • Be cautious of animals and strangers.


  • Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating them; don't eat candy if the package has already been opened.



    • Tips for Parents

  • Establish a route in a well-known neighborhood and discuss it with your kids.


  • Review Halloween safety precautions with children, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.


  • Choose a firm return time.


  • Make sure children know their phone number and carry coins for emergency telephone calls or carry a cell phone.


  • Purchase fire retardant/fireproof costumes. Check the tag/label on the costume to make sure it's flame-resistant.


  • Ask children to bring treats home before eating them so you can inspect them. Remember: small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.



    • Tips for Drivers

  • Slow down in residential neighborhoods to give yourself time to react to excited trick-or-treaters who might dart into the street.


  • Use caution when exiting driveways and alleyways.


  • Broaden your visual scanning - look to your right and left, into front yards and onto porches.



    • Pet Safety Tips

  • Chocolate is toxic to animals. Never give this to your pet and keep away other candy treats. Foil and wrappers are also dangerous, potentially causing choking if swallowed.


  • Keep pets confined during trick or treating. Pets should be kept in another room during parties and when kids come to the door. If you don't keep your animal in another room, they can escape from the opening and closing doors, so make sure they are wearing identification.


  • Don't let your pet get spooked. Animals can definitely get spooked and scared from kids in costumes and all of the noise - another reason to keep them in another room and to not take them trick or treating.

    • The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, and emergency relief to more than 25,000 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.