TOPEKA, Kan. — With Halloween approaching, Kansas safety officials are reminding families to take precautions to prevent injuries and accidents while trick-or-treating and celebrating the holiday.
Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Poison Center and the Kansas State Fire Marshal are encouraging parents, children and motorists to be mindful of pedestrian safety, fire hazards and potential poisonings.
Halloween is considered one of the most dangerous nights of the year for child pedestrians, with increased foot traffic in neighborhoods and children sometimes distracted by the excitement of collecting candy.
Officials recommend that drivers reduce their speed and pay close attention to sidewalks, intersections and residential streets, particularly during peak trick-or-treating hours between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
“On Halloween night, safety is a shared responsibility,” said Cherie Sage of Safe Kids Kansas. “Trick-or-treaters should carry a flashlight and be visible with reflective tape or stickers on costumes and treat bags, while drivers should slow down, stay alert and put away distractions.”
Children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult or responsible teenager when crossing streets. Older children who are allowed to trick-or-treat without supervision should travel in groups, remain in familiar neighborhoods and follow a designated route.
Parents are also encouraged to choose costumes that fit properly to prevent falls. Face paint and makeup can provide a safer alternative to masks that may limit visibility. Reflective materials, flashlights and glow sticks can make children easier for motorists to see.
Fire safety is another concern during Halloween celebrations.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home decoration fires involved decorations placed too close to a heat source, with candles responsible for many of those incidents.
Kansas Fire Marshal Mark Engholm recommends using battery-operated candles in jack-o'-lanterns and keeping flammable decorations, including hay bales, cornstalks and paper materials, away from open flames and heaters.
“Halloween should be about fun and lasting memories. Check that costumes are flame-resistant, keep decorations away from heat sources, and make sure children are visible to drivers,” Engholm said. “Simple precautions can help keep families safe this Halloween.”
Families should also check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working throughout their homes.
The Kansas Poison Center is reminding parents to inspect Halloween candy before allowing children to eat it. Treats should remain in their original, unopened packaging.
Medications should also be stored securely and out of children's reach, particularly when young children may be searching for candy.
Additional precautions include avoiding direct contact with dry ice, which can cause severe burns, and making sure children do not chew on glow sticks because the liquid inside can irritate the mouth and eyes.
Officials also recommend that trick-or-treaters use sidewalks whenever possible, cross streets at intersections and avoid walking between parked vehicles.
Anyone with questions about potential poisoning can contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Additional Halloween safety information is available at SafeKids.org