Halloween
is a fun time for children of all ages. Between parties, costumes,
trick-or-treating, safety is a big factor throughout the Halloween season. By
taking the time to follow some safety tips, everyone can enjoy a safe and fun
Halloween.
In 2017, 7,450 pedestrians died in traffic or non-traffic
incidents, according to Injury Facts. Non-traffic
incidents include those occurring on driveways, in parking lots or on private
property.
National
Safety Council research reveals almost 18 percent of these deaths occurred
at road crossings or intersections. Lack of visibility because of low lighting
at night also plays a factor in these deaths.
Here's a scary statistic: children are more than twice as likely
to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
In 2017, October ranked No. 2 in motor vehicle deaths by month, with 3,700.
Children and adults are reminded to put
electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street.
The NSC offers the following safety tips for parents–and anyone who plans to
be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:
Safety Tips for Motorists
-
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
Trick-or-Treating
-
Instruct your children to travel only in
familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until
they return hom
- Teach your children to never enter a
stranger's home
Safety Tips for College Students
- Avoid areas that are not well lit, and try to walk in high-traffic areas.
- Travel in groups as much as possible. If you must travel alone, let a trusted friend or family member know where you are and who you are with.
- Keep your cell phone handy in case you get separated from your group or need to contact emergency services.
- Make use of safe forms such as the IUP police escort service
- If you are going to a party venue, familiarize yourself with the fire exits when you arrive so that you are prepared if an emergency evacuation occurs.
- Don’t carry fake weapons. Not only do you want to avoid scaring those around you, but you also want to avoid alarming the police.
- Don’t eat any opened or unwrapped food or candy.
This message is brought to you by the IUP Emergency Management Office.