The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are offering advice and important safety rules to keep area trick-or-treaters safe 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, so the Health Department is reminding residents to keep safety in mind when trick-or-treating or gathering for frightful fall festivities.
Here’s a few general infection control safety tips:
● 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.
For 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 lighted 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 child’s vision will not be blocked.
For more information on Halloween safety, visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
