Safety tips for Halloween

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

While parents worry about children getting tainted candy while trick-or-treating, authorities warn of other Halloween dangers.

Barb Ludwig, executive chairwoman of the Clark County Safe Kids Coalition, warns that on Halloween night children may find it difficult to "walk safely through dark neighborhoods (because of) cumbersome costumes and blinding masks."

"It is important for parents and caregivers to not only outfit children in safe costumes, but to review important safety tips with them before they go trick-or-treating or to parties," Ludwig said.

She suggests that children use face paint or cosmetics instead of masks and always carry flashlights. Also, costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping. And while big shoes with a clown outfit or mom's dress may look cute, Ludwig urges that children wear more sensible shoes.

Props such as swords and knives commonly worn with pirate outfits should be flexible. Children also should be told not to cut across yards as lawn ornaments and clotheslines also can cause them to fall and be injured.

Police warn motorists to be especially aware of excited children darting into the street as they go from house to house. To better protect children, it is recommended that reflective tape be applied to costumes and bags.

Officials also warn that fire -- the third leading cause of child deaths -- is a danger at Halloween. Parents should make sure costumes, masks and fake beards are fire retardant.

Children should be given pre-established routes and be told to arrive home at a pre-determined time. Also, Ludwig says, children under 12 should never go out trick-or-treating without supervision.

Clark County animal control warns that each Halloween numerous children are bitten by dogs. Pets often are confused by the bewitching activities of the night and can be startled by children in costumes.

The agency suggests that pets be kept away from the front door or yard.

Henderson Police Chief Tommy Burns suggests that parents throw away items that are not wrapped or sealed. Also, parents should cut open fruit before children bite into it, he said, noting that police should be notified of any suspicious treats meant to harm children.