Make sure that the members of your community have a safe and fun Halloween experience. Print out and share the following PSA from Eastern Carolina’s EMS Association with your community.
EMS Wants You to Have a Safe Halloween
The fun and excitement surrounding Halloween can suddenly turn to sorrow and misfortune through one careless act. The incidence of fire, accident, and injury often increases during holidays and festive events. Each year, we witness accidents on Halloween that could have been prevented had simple safety rules been followed. Among the high-risk activities on Halloween; trick-or-treating is of greatest concern to Fire/EMS Department personnel. Between 4:00 and 10:00 PM on Halloween, there is a significant increase in falls, burn-related injuries, and pedestrian injuries. Children are four and a half times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night during the year. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
Often, there are safe alternatives to trick-or-treating that can be fun and also risk-free. Local churches and schools may plan Halloween parties, or families may get together and conduct games and activities instead of allowing young children to engage in trick-or-treating in dangerous neighborhoods or along busy streets. Paramedic Stanley Wardrip urges adults to take a more pro-active role in their child’s activities on Halloween. Additionally, they reminds adults to be vigilant and exercise due caution when traveling to avoid automobile related crashes. EMT-P Wardrip stated, “Fires and injuries that occur on Halloween are predictable, preventable and can be avoided with planning and supervision.”
For those who plan to venture out trick-or-treating, the Eastern Carolina’s EMS Association would like to offer the following safety tips so that all might enjoy a happy and safe Halloween:
- Costumes should be made of flame resistant light-colored fabric or have reflective qualities. They should be short enough so as not to interfere with walking or become entangled in bicycle chains. Use facial makeup rather than masks so children can see easily. Children should carry flashlights and not use candles or torches. Before leaving the home, children should discuss the proposed route, time of return, and companions. An adult should always accompany younger children. It is advisable to visit the homes of persons you know or local familiar neighborhoods, stopping at well-lit houses only. As a general rule, children should avoid entering homes or apartments and always travel with a companion.
- Children should avoid busy streets, always use sidewalks, and follow all traffic rules and regulations. Motorists should avoid all unnecessary travel on Halloween evening, and when driving they should drive slowly and be alert to small children crossing streets. Many accidents occur when motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence of small children.
- Halloween treats should be saved until children return home where adults can examine all items closely. Treats that are unwrapped, or show signs of having been opened, should not be eaten. Fruit should be sliced into small pieces and checked for foreign objects. Keep small pieces of candy away from infants and very small children, as they can easily become lodged in the throat and cause choking.
- Persons receiving trick-or-treaters should keep a light on and pick up obstacles that could cause a child to trip and become injured. Jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of doorsteps and landings. Consider the possibility of using flashlights instead of candles to light Jack-o-lanterns. Keep dogs and other pets away from doors so children will not become frightened.
For more Halloween safety tips, please stop by your local EMS or fire stations. Let keep this Halloween safe for everyone!
Eastern Carolina’s EMS Association is a professional organization of individuals within Eastern North Carolina {NC} who are engaged in Emergency Medical Services {EMS} and trying to make an impact upon the health and welfare of the public, promote, represent, and provide guidance for the practice of pre-hospital care. For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/ecems.