Families need to have the necessary tools to keep their children safe during the holidays. The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and the American Red Cross in the Greater New York region are sharing important tips to help keep New York City’s children safe.
“Halloween is just days away and as our little super heroes, cartoon and television characters prepare to be out in their neighborhoods for trick or treat fun, we are so proud to partner with ACS to keep New Yorkers safe. We encourage community members to review and follow these Halloween tips to help keep the kids safe while enjoying the festivities. And don’t forget to prepare your home or business to welcome trick-or-treaters by making sure the area is well lit so young visitors can see and clearing your porch or stoop of obstacles someone could trip over,” said Celena Sarillo, interim CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York.
The safety tips are as follows:
Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen
- Parents should give children a flashlight to light their way so they don’t trip or get hurt.
- Add add reflective tape to darker costumes and trick-or-treat bags so kids are easier to see in the dark.
Choose safe costumes.
- Pick out flame-resistant costumes and costumes that are lighter in color so kids remain visible.
- Try on costumes ahead of time to make sure children can see properly through masks or headwear.
Children should never trick or treat alone.
- A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children.
- Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance.
Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
- Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner and with the green light or walk sign.
- Make sure not to cross between parked cars.
- Adults should use extra caution if driving. Trick-or-treaters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.
Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
- Children shouldn’t go inside a stranger’s home.
- It’s not only vampires children have to look out for. Children and adults should be cautious around animals and pets.
Make sure a grown-up looks over the goodies.
- Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
- Discard any items with brand names with which you are not familiar.
Leave the pumpkin carving to adults.
- Small children should never carve pumpkins. Instead, let them draw a face with markers or paint pumpkins together.
- Use a flashlight, electric candle, or glowstick to light the pumpkin instead of a candle.
