Friday, October 19, 2012

Halloween Safety

Radio Commentary



For many children, Halloween is a favorite day of the year. Some get very excited about the costume, the adventure of going house to house, and the “payoff” of treats.
A few simple precautions can help keep Halloween a day of innocent fun.
Parents should encourage young children to “trick-or-treat” when there is still light outside. They should wear a costume that makes it easier for them to walk, see, and be seen.
If older children are going out at night, make sure their costume is light in color or has reflective material. They should carry a flashlight so they can see easily.
Masks can impair vision and keep children from seeing completely. For that reason, younger children should be advised to remove their masks before crossing the street. Better yet, consider using makeup instead.
Company is always a good idea. Even older children should trick-or-treat in groups.
It’s important to plan a trick-or-treat route ahead of time, so children are sure to walk down streets with adequate lighting. They should be instructed to cross only at corners — and never between parked cars or mid-block.
They should also keep an eye out for cars backing out of driveways.
Finally, young people should wait until they get home to sort, check, and eat their treats. It’s best to look at the treats in the light and make sure the wrappings are intact and haven’t been tampered with.
These simple precautions can keep Halloween safe and fun.