Keep Trick or Treaters Safe this Halloween

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Halloween is just a few days away and the holiday has become one of the most popular in the U.S. with people of all ages taking part in trick-or-treating, decorating homes and attending parties.

The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy the festivities safely; here are some tips for on how to have fun and stay safe doing it.

COSTUME SAFETY — Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.

• Use face makeup instead of masks.
• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Use flame-resistant costumes and wigs.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric so no one trips and falls.
• Avoid using decorative contact lenses to avoid problems with your eyes.

TRICK OR TREAT SAFETY

• Have your trick or treaters walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
• Never let children go trick-or-treating alone, there should always be an adult with them.
• Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
• Carry a flashlight to help light the way.
• Inspect all treats before they are eaten. Remove loose candy, discard opened packages and eliminate any potential choking hazards. When in doubt, throw it out.

DRIVERS — USE EXTRA CAUTION

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

• Drivers should use extra caution, especially after dark. Children may be excited and forget to look both ways before crossing the street, and many costumes can be difficult to see at night.

IF YOU'RE EXPECTING TRICK-OR-TREATERS

• Keep your porch, walkway and entry area well lit.
• Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
• Remove any obstacles that could cause slips, trips or falls.

ADULT HALLOWEEN SAFETY — Alcohol-related traffic incidents increase around Halloween, and many Halloween traffic fatalities involve impaired drivers.

Party hosts should:

• Offer non-alcoholic beverage options
• Arrange safe transportation for guests who have been drinking.
• Consider ride-sharing services, taxis, designated drivers, or driving guests home yourself if you have not been drinking.
• Collect car keys from guests who may not be safe to drive.
• If you are the one planning on drinking alcohol, choose a designated driver, arrange a ride-share, or make other transportation plans before celebrating. Never drive impaired.
• If you're hosting a party or welcoming trick-or-treaters, keep pets in a separate area away from the activity.
• Many Halloween treats, especially chocolate and certain candies, can be toxic to animals. Keep all treats out of your pets' reach.
• Halloween can be stressful for pets and may cause them to run away. Make sure your pet wears identification tags, has a secure leash when outdoors, and wears a reflective collar if going out after dark.