Halloween is coming and the Green River URA/Main Street Agency wants to share some tips to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone. These recommendations are from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
*Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
*Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
*Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
*Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
*To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
*Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
*Wet leaves or snow should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
*Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind trick-or-treaters:
*Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
*Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
*Carry a cell-phone for quick communication.
*Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
*If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
*Never cut across yards or use alleys.
*Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
*Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
*Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
Remember, the downtown and business trick-or-treating is the afternoon of the 31st, so be sure to bring the kids out to visit our local merchants. The map of the participating businesses is in this edition of the Green River Star. Also, if you see a Green River Police car with a lit pumpkin on top, the officers will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Have a fun and safe Halloween!
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