Trick-or-Treat tips for Halloween

Trick-or-Treat tips for Halloween

Even if you don’t have children, Halloween can be a memorable time of the year. If you are like most Americans, you don’t know everyone who lives on your block. The fall climate in Arkansas allows all of us to make great social connection with a porch light and a bag of candy.

When we know our neighbors we help to look out for one another. This year, I encourage all of you to look out for your community to make this a safe time for children.

Unfortunately, Halloween can be a dangerous time. In 2014, about 6,300 pedestrian deaths and 145,000 medically consulted injuries occurred among pedestrians in motor vehicle incidents.

Darting or running into the road accounts for about 70% of pedestrian deaths or injuries for those age 5 to 9 and about 47% of incidents for those 10 to 14.

To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween Safety Tips, including do's and don'ts on the trick-or-treat trail:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds

• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you

• Agree on a specific time when children should return home

• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street.

National Safety Council offers the following safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully

• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing When it comes to trick-or-treating:

• Instruct your children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone

• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home

• Teach your children to never enter a stranger's home

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fireresistant • If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags to make sure they are visible

• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first

• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation I hope all of you have a very happy and safe Halloween!

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson