ASK THE SHERIFF
Avoid a Scary Halloween with these Safety Tips By Sheriff Gregory Tony
T
reats, ghouls and spine-chilling fun are just a few reasons why Halloween is one of the most anticipated times of year for kids. Unfortunately, Halloween can also be the most dangerous time of year for children. Nearly 4,000 Halloween-related injuries occur every year, including falling accidents, poisoning, burns and motor accidents. Although the festivities can be fun, we want to remind you of these important safety tips to help prevent real horrors from occurring.
Costume Safety
Your child’s costume should allow them to walk easily. If the costume involves a mask, ensure they take it off when crossing the street so the mask does not obstruct their vision.
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Have something reflective, such as a glow stick or reflective tape, attached to their costume.
a flashlight if you’re out during ▸ Use evening hours.
28 / October 2021 / OurCityMedia.com
When Children Are Trick-Or-Treating
Accompany your children or make sure a trusted adult goes with them.
older kids to go in one group. ▸ Instruct in your neighborhood. ▸ Trick-or-treat look both ways when crossing the ▸ Always street. the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, ▸ Utilize walk facing traffic. alert to parked cars. Double-check the ▸ Bevehicle is not about to be in motion. hand sanitizer with you and use it ▸ Bring after touching objects or other people. hands and inspect all treats before ▸ Wash allowing your children to consume them.
Motor Safety
and exit driveways carefully. ▸ Enter Turn on your headlights immediately when ▸ you get into the car. Avoid any distractions driving. ▸ Slow down, especially while in residential areas. ▸ Discourage new or inexperienced ▸ from driving during Halloween. drivers for children crossing the street, on ▸ Watch medians, at intersections and on curbs.
If Giving Out Treats
Follow these cautionary steps to avoid a setback, and enjoy the fun of Halloween. If you are looking for a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, attend an outdoor Halloween event in a controlled environment with your kids. As a reminder, don’t hesitate to report any suspicious activity. If you see something, say something. Have a safe, enjoyable and happy Halloween!
out treats outdoors, if possible. ▸ Give up a station with individual bagged ▸ Set treats for kids to take.
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Throw away any open treats.
Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
Sheriff Gregory Tony
You can stay connected by following the sheriff on Twitter @BrowardSheriff or emailing him directly at ask_the_sheriff@sheriff.org
