Staying Safe This Halloween

As ghosts and vampires get ready to roam the streets, Lowcountry Red Cross and the S.C. Highway Patrol has tips to make this a frightfully safe Halloween.

Costume Safety

Whether a child wants to be a princess, a monster or a superhero for Halloween, parents can help keep it safe by:

• Adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Using flame-resistant costumes.
• Using face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.

Navigating the Neighborhood

To maximize safety, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through theneighborhood.

Here are more safety tips to follow as children 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. Adults should be prepared to help children cross the roads in their neighborhood.
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

Inside the Vehicle

Drivers should prepare themselves for conditions at night as well:

• Scan the road ahead.
• Prepare to stop for pedestrians crossing the road
• Lower speed.
• Keep attention on driving and don’t be distracted

Having a drink this Halloween? Make sure you arrange for a designated driver or taxi.

Trick or Treat!

For those who expect to greet trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:

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

Visit the Red Cross for more advice on having a safe and fun Halloween.