Harm-Free Halloween

Harm-Free Halloween Tips to avoid getting tricked or getting sick!

YOU CAN REDUCE THE RISK BY FOLLOWING THESE TIPS

Trick-or-Treating Basics Kids under age 12 should:

• Always go trick-or-treating with an adult • Keep a distance of 6 feet or more from people outside your household • Take along hand sanitizer

Older kids who go out on their own should: • Plan a route and curfew • Avoid crowded gatherings and parties • Take along sanitizer and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth • Only go to houses with porch lights on • Stay in open-air, outdoor settings and never go inside a stranger’s home

Costume Considerations • Choose a mask that covers your nose and mouth but does not cover your eyes or block your view.

• Wear a light-colored costume that's easy to see at night.

• Consider wearing a face covering so you will not need to wear a costume mask.

• Only buy costumes labeled "flame-retardant." This means the material won't burn.

If you make your own costume, use nylon or polyester materials, which are flame-retardant.

• Make sure wigs and beards don't cover your eyes, noses, or mouths.

• Only use colored or decorative contact lenses if they're prescribed by a licensed eye doctor.

• Make sure costumes are the right size and don’t drag on the ground.

Avoid oversized or overly high-heeled shoes as well.

• If your costume has props make sure they are short and flexible.

Walking Safely According to Safe Kids Worldwide, the risk of kids being hit by a car is higher on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

So make sure you: • Walk on sidewalks on lit streets (never through alleys or across lawns) • Walk from house to house and always walk facing traffic when walking on roads • Cross the street at crosswalks • Carry glow sticks or flashlights to help see and be seen by drivers.

• Limit trick-or-treating to your neighborhood and the homes of people you know.

• Do not walk up to houses that are not lit or go inside a stranger’s house.

• Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of cars.

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

• Don’t eat any of treats before you get home. Once home, ask your parents to look through your treats with you to make sure everything is okay.

Returning Home • Check all treats to make sure they're sealed. Throw out candy with torn packages or holes in the packages, spoiled items, and any homemade treats that weren't made by someone you know.

• Don't let young children have hard candy or gum that could cause choking.

• Remove make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you go to myturn.ca.gov OR call 833-432-4255