Tips for safe trick-or-treating this Halloween

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2014) — The University of Kentucky is offering safety tips for safe trick-or-treating this Halloween.

Here are facts about Halloween that parents should be aware of:

Twice as many children are killed while walking on Halloween than on any other day of the year
According to Safe Kids International, only one-third of parents discuss Halloween safety with their children
One in nine parents allow children younger than 5 to trick-or-treat by themselves
A Safe Kids study showed that one in eight middle schoolers cross the street while distracted by an electronic device
Make sure trick-or-treaters can be seen by drivers at night. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, so opt instead for non-toxic face paint and make-up whenever possible.
When selecting a costume, make sure it’s the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
Children younger than 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. Advise kids old enough to walk alone to stay in areas that are well-lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., so drivers should be especially alert for kids during those hours.
Talk to your children about putting down their electronic devices when walking or crossing the street.
Only accept and consume factory-wrapped candy. Limit the amount of candy consumed by kids on Halloween night to prevent sickness