bossiersheriffcms

Posted: Oct 28, 2011 9:26 AM
Updated: Nov 1, 2011 2:08 PM

With Halloween right around the corner, the potential for injuries to trick-or-treaters is downright scary.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, four times as many children, ages 5 to 14, are killed while walking at night on Halloween than are killed on other evenings of the year. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say falls are a leading cause of injuries to children on Halloween.

Parents are urged to put safety first and prevent Halloween disasters before they happen. One of the most dangerous elements during this holiday is a mask that restricts the vision of trick-or-treaters. Parents would do well to widen the eye holes on masks or use face paint instead.

Halloween is an ideal time for numerous crimes to occur, primarily because criminals can commit crimes while wearing a costume, and at the same time, blend in with the crowd. It is also a time when homeowners are willing to open their doors to strangers--something that is always dangerous, but very common when expecting trick-or-treaters.

It is difficult to predict the unforeseen dangers that surround Halloween, but there are a number of safety precautions that will help make this a happy and safe holiday.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS

• Carry a flashlight.

• Walk, don't run.

• Stay on the sidewalks.

• If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.

• Obey traffic signals.

• Stay in familiar neighborhoods.

• Don't cut across yards or driveways.

• Approach only houses which are lit.

PARENTS

• Make your child eat dinner before going trick-or-treating.

• Put your children in costumes and accessories which are bright, reflective, fit well and are flame resistant.

• For greater visibility, add reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

• Teach your children how to call 9-1-1 should they have an emergency or become lost.

• Young children should be accompanied by an adult.

• Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.

• If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch.

• You should know where they are going.

• Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before eating any.

• Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspicious.

• Make sure your kids know how important it is for them to be home on time.

• Make sure your kids know the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem like fun, but they need to know such activity causes damage and must be cleaned up.

• Make sure your kids know animal cruelty is not acceptable. Kids may already know this, but sometimes peer pressure causes them to do things they would not ordinarily do. Explain why harming animals is morally wrong and is punishable by law.

HOMEOWNERS

• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses and flowerpots that can trip kids and adults.

• Pets get frightened by all the activity on Halloween. Put them up to protect them AND the trick-or-treaters.

• Battery powered jack o' lantern candles are preferable to a real flame. If you do use real candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.

• Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle.

If you suspect there is a problem with your child's candy, call the Bossier Sheriff's Office at 965-2203, and a deputy will be dispatched to your house. That deputy will have access to a toll free hotline for assistance when candy tampering is suspected.

Everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween for themselves, their guests and their children. Making good use of safety tips and common sense can help you make the most of the Halloween season. A few safety precautions can mean the difference between a fun and memorable celebration, or one spoiled by an avoidable incident. I hope you and your kids enjoy an injury-free Halloween.