Remembering safety vital to Halloween fun
As we prepare for Halloween and get ready to trick or treat tonight, the emphasis will be on family fun. While it’s important to enjoy Halloween, we can’t forget returning home safely is crucial to having an enjoyable night.
That’s why the Standard encourages everyone to take part in Halloween activities, but to also be careful and follow a few sensible safety tips when strolling around neighborhoods with family and friends.
First and foremost is paying close attention to cars. McMinnville Police Department reminds drivers to be on the lookout this evening – especially after sundown – because pedestrian traffic will be out in larger-than-usual numbers.
While it might seem this reminder goes without saying, it’s also too easy to get careless behind the wheel. With the radio on, and possibly even a cellphone in one hand, it takes no time at all to momentarily forget small children are out and about. All it takes is a split second for a child to dart into the street.
In addition to driving more carefully, there are also these other safety tips:
• Children should cross the streets only at corners and never cross between parked cars since motorists may not be able to see them. Children should also carry a flashlight, wear a reflective strip on their costume, and walk on the side of the road toward oncoming traffic when there is no sidewalk.
• Parents of trick-or-treaters should make sure their children are accompanied by a responsible adult and should know what route their children are taking. Trick-or-treaters should only visit homes of people they know and parents should carefully examine all treats before children are allowed to indulge.
• Make every breath a good one. While there will be many masks tonight, masks should have good ventilation for proper breathing. Make sure your child’s mask fits snugly but doesn’t cause excessive sweating. Select a mask that is the proper size for your child’s face and line of sight. Masks can slip and obstruct vision.
• Use water-soluble makeup for easy removal with soap and water rather than expensive makeup remover that can oftentimes lead to itching or cause a rash. And don’t bother saving makeup for future use. It’s best when fresh and if priced affordably, it won’t cost much to purchase again next year.
• Remember to trick or treat in familiar and well-lit neighborhoods and walk with a group for optimum safety. With more people in a group, it will be easier for motorists to see you from a distance.
These are just a few tips that can lead to a safe Halloween. The object isn’t to dampen the fun, only to make sure every young little monster who leaves home with a mask and an empty bag returns home safely and with happy Halloween memories.