More child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
But families can take the frights out of Halloween trick-or-treating this year by following safety tips from Jennifer Rubin, Safe Kids Greater Sacramento Coalition coordinator and injury prevention specialist at UC Davis Health.
Pedestrian safety tips:
- Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes or bags, and wear light colors to help kids be seen.
- Accompany children under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
- Select costumes that are the right size to prevent trips and falls (avoid long trailing fabric) and choose face paint over masks (which can limit children's vision).
- Remind kids that it's safer to cross the street at corners and crosswalks.
- Stay alert, drivers! Kids are excited and may dart into the street.
Fire safety tips:
- Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o'-lanterns with candles in them.
- Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters. Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily.
- Clear exits of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Ensure all smoke alarms are working.
"Long before letting them head outside for trick-or-treating, talk to your kids about watching out for fire safety hazards as well as cars on the road. Teach kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street, and use crosswalks when possible," Rubin said. "Drivers, please be extra careful as you are driving on Halloween night. Let's all do our part to keep kids safe this Halloween."
