Boo! Some Halloween Tips for You

Boo! Some Halloween Tips for You

News Release: October 17, 2011
Contact: Janice Osborne, Regional Communication Officer
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

With a few safety tips, everyone can have a frightfully safe time this Halloween.

Costume Savvy

Whether your child wants to be a ghost, a princess or a superhero, you can help keep him or her safe by following some costume advice.

Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
Use flame-resistant costumes.
Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.

Navigating the Neighborhood

To maximize safety - and your candy haul! - plan your route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If your children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they make their way around the neighborhood.

Other safety tips to follow as you go from house to house:

Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door - never go inside.
Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
Don't cut across yards or use alleys. Don't cross between parked cars.

And remember, it's not only vampires and monsters you have to look out for. Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

Trick or Treat!

If you're manning the candy giveaway at your house, you can make sure it's a fun night for all by doing the following:

Make sure your outdoor lights are on.
Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.
Clear your porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
Restrain your pets.
Use a glow stick instead of a candle in your jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 92,300 people through preparedness and training classes, military support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief, information and referral and other education and outreach programs. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 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.