The UHS Security team wants you to be safe for all the spooky fun this Halloween season. See their safety tips below:
- Consider taking your trick or treaters to one of the many “Trunk or Treat” style venues within or near your community. This is a great one stop opportunity for kids to showcase their costumes while increasing the likelihood it will be safe. These are typically hosted by community based organizations including Churches. You still should chaperone but it is a much safer venue than the street.
- Choose times that are closer to dusk or near dark for safety.
- Parents/Guardians should inspect all treats, to ensure they haven’t been tampered with. Caution should be used for re-packaged edibles or homemade goods unless from a trusted source. We’ve all seen needles and pins inside apples and the like. Colored candies are susceptible to being laced with drugs if repackaged. If in doubt, throw out. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with or in any way appear to be suspicious.
- Check for resources in your area that will scan treats for metal objects and other at risk substances.
- Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen. Use face makeup instead of masks which can make seeing difficult. Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way and/or glow sticks on their outer garments. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
- Use flame-resistant costumes. Many enthusiast have open flame torches or other hazards as part of their decorations.
- When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric. These can be trip hazards when added to a kid’s excitement.
- Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
- Be cautious around animals, especially dogs. If concerned, bypass the location and don’t take risks
- Walk, don’t run.
- Know the community you plan on visiting. Hazards exist inside and around all communities and change frequently. Construction projects, poor lighting and crime may influence the times you visit a specific neighborhood.
- Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door and never go inside.
- Walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
- Drivers — use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
- A grown-up should check all goodies before eating. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards.
If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:
- Light the area well so young visitors can see.
- Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.
Last, but not least, enjoy the experience and be mindful of everyone’s safety!