|
|
|
From the Desk of Bill Cirone...
October 15, 1999
Halloween Safety
Halloween always falls on a day that comes after we turn our clocks back one hour. This means darkness comes earlier than it has all summer and fall, and children may not be in "synch" with the hour of day. All adults can take precautions to insure that the children who go out "trick or treating" have a safe, enjoyable evening. As always, the National PTA has come up with useful advice.
For starters, parents should make sure children wear well-fitted clothing and shoes. They should be encouraged to use makeup rather than masks because masks can obstruct vision, especially in the dark. Children should also carry flashlights with them, and wear light-colored costumes that can easily been seen by cars.
Children should be instructed to be selective regarding the homes they visit. It’s best to have at least one adult accompany each group of children. If children are old enough to be out on their own, parents should know the approximate "path" they plan to take, and all children should have a specific time limit for when they are to return home.
Children should also be wearing flame-proof costumes. If you are not sure this is the case, costumes can be flame-proofed by soaking in a solution of two quarts water, seven ounces borax and three ounces boric acid. After soaking, hang to drip dry, then iron.
There are also several "don’ts" for children to heed.
Children should not enter any home, unless it is the home of a friend. They should not eat any candy before they get home and have it inspected by an adult. Any items that are not wrapped should be pitched. Also, children shouldn’t carry sharp or pointed props and they should never carry candles as a source of light.
Finally, all adults should remember to take extra precautions when driving on Halloween night because children will be everywhere.
Halloween can be a safe, harmless, enjoyable evening for all who participate if simple precautions are followed.
© Santa Barbara County Education Office
<.shtml>