Safety tips

Saturday, Oct. 31, 1998 | 3:49 a.m.

Here are some Halloween safety tips provided by the local SAFE KIDS Coalition.

To keep children from falling while walking through dark neighborhoods:

-- Use face paint or cosmetics rather than blinding masks.

-- Give flashlights to trick-or-treaters.

-- Make costumes short enough to avoid tripping.

-- Dress children in shoes that fit.

-- Allow children to carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.

-- Teach children not to cut across yards. (Lawn ornaments and clotheslines can be hidden hazards in the dark.)

To avoid pedestrian injuries:

-- Decorate costumes, bags and sacks with reflective tape.

-- Use Halloween costumes that are light or bright enough to be visible.

-- Have an adult accompany children ages 12 and under.

-- Teach children to cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks and to looking left and right before crossing.

-- Teach children to never dart out from between parked cars.

-- Teach children to enter and exit vehicles from the curb side.

To avoid burns:

-- Look for flame-resistant labels on costumes and accessories, whether you are purchasing them or making them.

-- Avoid costumes made of flimsy materials with big baggy sleeves or shirts.

Other safety tips:

-- Attach name, address and phone number to children ages 12 and under.

-- Teach child his or her phone number. Make sure child has change for a phone call.

-- Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along a pre-established route. Instruct them to return home at a set time.

-- Tell children to go only to illuminated houses and never go inside someone's house or apartment.

-- Tell children to bring their treats home before eating them.

Tips for motorists:

-- Slow down in residential neighborhoods.

-- Watch for children walking on the street, medians or curbs.

-- Enter and exit driveways and alleyways carefully.

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