Halloween can be one of the most fun nights of the year for children, but for parents, it can be the most nerve-racking. According to Safe Kids NC, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
By taking just a few simple precautions, kids, parents and drivers can make the night fun and safe.
Here are some tips from the Boone Police Department and Safe Kids NC to keep you and your children safe this All-Hallows Eve.
Tips for a Happy (and Safe) Halloween:
Safe costumes:
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colored clothing.
- Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
- Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights so they can see better, as well as be seen by drivers.
Safe walking:
- Stay alert – Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up and don’t dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
- Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
- It’s best to cross the street safely at corners. Always look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
Safe driving:
- Drive slowly in residential neighborhoods. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
- Be alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and curbs. Children are excited and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Lastly, King Street (from Appalachian to Waters Street) will be closed from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. to help ensure pedestrian safety and allow for safe and fun trick-or-treating for everyone.