Parents should discuss safety with children
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
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