Don't let Halloween fun be hampered by injury

As ghouls and goblins fill the streets tonight, parents are reminded of the earthly frights to children on Halloween.

"More children are killed while walking on Halloween night than any other evening of the year, so we urge all parents to follow simple safety precautions," said state Fire Marshal Doyle Sutton.

Sutton reminds parents to make sure costumes are reflective and flame resistant and to keep children away from open flames on candles and pumpkins.

"Many costumes are flame retardant, but some, particularly those that are homemade, are not and could be very combustible. Materials like cotton balls and straw catch fire very quickly," he said.

According to the National Safe Kids campaign, children are four times more likely to die as a pedestrian on Halloween.

The Regional Emergency Medical Services and Safe Kids coalition offer the following safety tips:

-- Teach children to never dart into the street or cross between parked cars.

-- Teach children to look left, right and left again before crossing.

-- Never let children under age 12 go trick-or-treating or cross the street without adult supervision.

-- Teach children to walk, not run, while trick-or-treating.

-- Instruct children to travel in familiar areas and along a pre-established route.

-- Tell children to bring their treats home before eating them.

REMSA suggests all treats be inspected by parents to ensure they haven't been tampered with.

For motorists, REMSA suggests the following:

-- Slow down in residential neighborhoods.

-- Watch for children walking in the street, on medians and curbs.

-- Exit and enter driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.

ON THE NET:

http://www.safekids.org