OCTOBER 2009

Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures
need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween's greatest
hazards aren't vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and
care accidents. We want your family to have a safe Halloween, so follow
the "Lucky 13" put together by the American Red Cross:

1. Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home.

2. From brave superheroes to noble knights, everyone should remember to bring a flashlight.

3. If you visit a house where a strange lives, accept treats at the door and never go inside.

4. When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks that will cover your eyes.

5. Always remember before you go out, to wear light-colored clothing to be
   seen in the dark! (Remember to use reflective tape, on bikes,
   skateboards and brooms!)

6. Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.

7. As you roam the neighborhoods collecting your treats, look both ways
   before crossing the street! (And always cross at the corner!)

8. Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!

9. Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn't a safety gamble!

10. You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but be on the lookout
    for drivers in cars! (And please don't hide between parked cars!)

11. Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit houses with their porch lights on!

12. You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

13. Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you're done trick-or-treating
    to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

Speeding cars, toxic candy and unsafe neighborhoods are just some of
the safety concerns that can put a real scare into parents and their
children. In fact, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car and
killed on Halloween as any other day of the year, according to Safe
Kids Worldwide, a global organization committed to preventing
accidental childhood injury.

For Mummies and Daddies:

• Take a few minutes while carving pumpkins to review the rules of stop, look and listen before crossing the street.

• Discuss stop, drop and roll in case a piece of clothing were to catch fire.

• Talk about only going to house they know with the lights on.

• Accompany children under the age of 12.

• Trick-or-treat in as group.

• Pin
  a slip of paper inside a pocket with your child's name, address and
  phone number on it, in case your child gets separated from you or the
  group.

• Treat your kids to a spooky Halloween
  meal before they leave. They will be less likely to eat the candy they
  collect before you can inspect it.

• Inspect treats before eating. Throw out unwrapped or unpackaged candy.

Haunted house owners:

• Use string lights or battery operated lights instead of candles to decorate your haunt.

• Clear porches, lawns and sidewalks of any debris, tools, etc., that could cause visitors to trip and fall.

• Place Jack- O- Lanterns away from doorways and landings.

• Check and discard holiday lights or electric decorations with broken or frayed cords or plugs.

• Keep exits and steps clear of decorations and other obstacles.

• Watch out for decorations that could cut or poke causing injuries.

• Avoid
  small hard foods and treats that pose a choking risk for children and
  any one talking and eating. Most kids prefer chocolate anyway!

1. Bring pets inside.

2. Dogs can have lethal tails, wagging all over.

3. Don't leave lit candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they can be knocked
   over by a wagging tail or a curious cat. Not only could your pet start
   a fire, but they could severely hurt themselves.

4. Remember children won't be the only
   ones looking for treats, but keep the chocolate out of your dog's reach
   even a small amount could be fatal to them.

5. People sometimes put costumes on their
   pets, but not all pets tolerate this. It could cause the pet a lot of
   discomfort and stress. Dogs and cats will already be stressed with all
   the trick-or-treaters coming to the door.

6. Masks are not recommended for your pets, especially dogs they need to see what is going on around them.

7. Be very careful not to let your pets sneak out when you are passing out the candy.

8. The best place for your pets on Halloween is in a room with food and water away from all the excitement.