For Release: Immediate
Date: October 29, 1999 |
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Contact:
Robert Carver
Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.232)
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SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN ENSURE ALL TREATS AND NO TRICKS
RALEIGH -- Everyone has memories of childhood Halloweens, memories of carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and dressing up. Unfortunately, many real goblins and tricksters exist that can ruin your fun if you don't take precautions.
"I love spending Halloween night with my kids," said Richard Moore, secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. "But like all parents, I'm very concerned about their welfare. That's why my wife and I make sure we supervise them closely on Halloween. A little extra attention can mean the difference between a good time and a tragedy."
Follow some basic safety guidelines and use common sense to ensure you and your children have a great Halloween. Here are some tips to help make this Halloween a treat for all:
Safe Ghouls and Goblins
- Costumes should be flame-retardant and short to prevent trips and falls.
- Use make-up instead of masks. Masks can block vision and be hot and uncomfortable.
- Wear light-colored clothing or put reflective tape on costumes.
- Trick-or-treat in groups, and stop only at familiar houses where the outside lights are turned on. A parent should come along too.
- Parents may want to map out a safe route for older children, and set guidelines on which houses they can visit.
- If trick-or-treating after dark, stay on well-lighted streets and use flashlights to make sure you are seen.
- Check out safe alternatives like trick-or-treating at local churches, town halls and shopping centers.
Safe Treats
- Parents should give children a snack before they go trick-or-treating to keep them from digging into their goodies before adults have a chance to check for problems.
- Parents should inspect all treats before they are eaten.
- Don't eat any treats until you get home.
- Eat only those treats that are unopened and individually wrapped in their original wrappers.
Watch that child
- When driving on Halloween night, be on the lookout for children walking along the road.
- If you are going to a Halloween party, don't drink and drive.
Anyone who wants more information on how to make Halloween a safe time for all involved should contact the crime prevention officer at their local police or sheriff's department.
