Attention ghouls and goblins! The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are offering area trick-or-treaters and their parents some important safety rules to follow this Halloween.
Halloween is a cherished tradition, but the excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful. There is no real “trick” to making Halloween a treat for the entire family. This first truly post-pandemic year, public health officials are reminding residents to keep the safety of themselves and their children in mind whether they are trick-or-treating or gathering for frightful fall festivities.
Here’s a few general infection control safety tips shared by the CDC:
-If you are sick or feel symptoms, stay home! Skip the Halloween party and trick-or-treating if you aren’t feeling well.
-Keep your hands clean. If you’re out trick-or-treating, bring hand sanitizer. If you’re giving out candy, wash your hands frequently
Please note, each Halloween the major dangers are not from witches or spirits but rather from falls and pedestrian/car crashes. Therefore, both children and adults need to think about safety on this annual day of make believe.
Motorists:
-Watch for children darting in and out from between parked cars.
-Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
-Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
-At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
When Going Out “Trick or Treating:”
-An adult or older sibling should accompany those under the age of 12.
-Children should travel in familiar areas and along an established route.
-Kids should stop only at well-lit houses and should never enter a stranger’s home.
-A “trick or treat” return time should be set.
-Youngsters should not eat any treat until parents have had a chance to inspect it.
When Buying or Designing Costumes:
Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard.
Make costumes loose – so that warm clothes can be worn underneath.
Outfits should be made out of light colors and strips of reflective tape should be used to make children more visible.
Consider makeup instead of masks so your youngster’s vision will not be blocked.
For more information on Halloween safety, visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
