MILTON — Little superheroes, princesses, Ninja Turtles, Minions, Lego people, Doc McStuffins and other costume-clad children will visit neighborhoods Halloween night for trick-or-treating.
Halloween is a fun celebration but can also have associated dangers. Santa Rosa County Emergency Management and Lifeguard Ambulance Service share these tips to stay safe.
Costume safety:
- Choose costumes that do not present tripping or falling hazards.
- Choose soft, short and flexible costume accessories.
- Use cosmetic makeup instead of masks to prevent obstructed vision.
Pedestrian safety:
- Cross streets at corners, using crosswalks whenever possible.
- Carefully look both ways before crossing streets.
- Do not run between parked cars or dart across a street from behind a parked car.
- Assure children stay with and cross the street with an adult.
- Walk on sidewalks when available; otherwise walk to the outside of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
- Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility.
- Use reflective tape on costumes and candy bags/containers.
- Trick or treat in well-lit neighborhoods and at homes with outside lights on, which is a sign of welcome.
Driver safety:
- Drive slowly and carefully in residential neighborhoods.
- Use extra caution at intersections.
- Be alert as children may excitedly cross the street unexpectedly or from behind parked vehicles and other obstacles that limit visibility.
- Check surrounding areas before pulling out of a driveway or parking spot.
Treat safety:
- Examine candy for tampering before eating.
- Check candy ingredients for children with allergies before consumption.
- Do not eat homemade treats from strangers.
- Additional safety tips are available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween, and Safe Kids Worldwide, http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 18 Halloween safety tips