10 Important Safety Tips for Halloween

HALLOWEEN SAFETY ALERT from the EQ Coach: Four times more children are killed in pedestrian/automobile accidents on Halloween night than on any other night of the year.

10 Important Safety Tips for Halloween
by Susan Dunn, MA, Professional Coach

Halloween is an exciting night for children and a
busy time for their parents. With such
excitement, it's easy for children to forget
basic safety rules.

When emotions are running high, it's a good time
to remember to "use your head." Plan ahead and
plan to have a safe Halloween. Raise safety
awareness with your family before the festivities
begin. We do the right thing, but we don't always
explain it to children. As you place a saucer
under each tea light, or "stop, look and listen"
at street corners and in parking lots, tell your
child why. They don't always connect the dots
unless you point it out.

HERE ARE SOME HALLOWEEN
SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND:

1. Stay sober and alert

It's amazing how many family Halloween
celebrations involve adults drinking. It's
impossible to monitor children's safety or your
own when you've had too much to drink, so don't.

2. Avoid cuts and burns when decorating

Carving the pumpkin, placing luminaria in the
driveway, and hanging spooky skeletons all
present opportunities for injury. If you're
decorating with candles, observe fires safety.
Have a good fire extinguisher handy and make sure
everyone knows where it is.

3. Observe ladder safety regulations

According to the NASD, accidents involving
ladders cause an estimated 300 death a year in
the US, and 130,000 injuries requiring medical
attention. Go here to read about how to use a
ladder properly.

4. Make sure "treats" aren't "tricks"

Many people these days choose to go to fairs or
private parties instead of trick or treating for
safety reasons. If your child is going trick or
treating, go with them. Make it a rule that
nothing is to be eaten until it's first been
inspected by you.

5. Caution your child about strangers and dogs

Keep your children with you and remind them to
avoid people and dogs they don't know. Many
people are taking their dog companions out in
costume these days, and even the most gentle of
family pets can do something unexpected with all
the excitement.

6. Accidental falls is the number one cause of
injuries on Halloween night (National Safety
Council).

Choose your child's costume with this in mind.
Hem up the hemlines. If you choose a mask, choose
one that doesn't obstruct sight. Stay sober and
observe safety rules when decorating.

7. Four times more children are killed in
pedestrian/automobile accidents on Halloween
night than on any other night of the year.

The CDC suggests these factors make it a high
risk: short stature, inability to react quickly
enough to avoid a car or evaluate a potential
traffic threat, lack of impulse control, and all
the exciting distractions.

8. The holiday syndrome

The excitement, more candy, more parties, less
sleep, less nutritious food, and getting off
schedule all mean less attentiveness and also
possibly illness. Keep routines as normal as you
can. Add to the above, a visit from Granny who
has heart pills in her purse, and you have the
recipe for a tragedy. Pay attention!


9. Choose safe and sensible costumes

Choose fire retardant costumes that allow
children free movement and good visibility. Be
careful about accessories. Even toy knives and
swords can cause harm. Give each child a
flashlight.


10. Set a good example

Show that you care about safety and make it a top
priority.



(c)Susan Dunn, www.susandunn.cc,
mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc .
Susan is the author of "Developing
Your Child's EQ" and other ebooks, available at
www.webstrategies.cc/ebooklibrary.html.
She offers individual coaching, Internet courses,
and seminars for your personal and professional
development. She trains and certifies coaches
(no residency requirement). Email for information.