NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 27, 2022 – Halloween is just a few days away. Fast becoming one of the most popular holidays in the country, a variety of little superheroes, cartoon and TV characters will soon be coming out to their neighborhoods to have some fun. The American Red Cross has tips parents can follow to help keep kids safe while enjoying the festivities.
“Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the U.S. and with most communities returning to normal activities this year, people should expect a higher volume of trick-or-treating visitors,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive officer with American Red. Cross Tennessee Region. “Whether you’re handing out goodies or going door-to-door, with just a few simple considerations you can make sure your family and those around you are safe and sound.”
Here are top tips for parents to keep in mind as they get their kids ready for Halloween this year:
- Scams must see and be seen. Use face makeup instead of masks that can make it difficult to see. Give scammers a flashlight to light their way. Add reflective tape to suits and appropriate bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
- Use flame resistant suits.
- Make sure the adults know where the children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door to door.
- Be careful with animals, especially dogs.
- Walk, don’t run.
- Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept sweets at the door and never go inside.
- Only walk on the sidewalks, not the streets. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road, facing the traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street and only cross on corners. Do not pass between parked cars and do not cross yards or use alleys.
- Drivers – take extra care as young people may forget to look both ways before crossing.
- An adult should check all good things before eating. Be sure to remove loose candy, open packages, and remove any choking hazards. Throw out any items with brand names you don’t recognize.
If you’re planning to welcome scammers into your home, follow these safety steps:
- Light the area well so new visitors can see.
- Clear leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles that someone might step on.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app for instant access to expert advice in case your ghost, goblin or superhero has a mishap. Use the Emergency app for weather alerts and to let others know you’re safe if severe weather occurs. Find these and other helpful Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
Consider donating blood this spooky season
There are a lot of scary things to think about this Halloween… But there aren’t many scarier for us than the empty shelves of the blood bank. Did you know that 50% of Americans like to see blood spilled in horror movies? What is scary is that only 3% donate blood every year. This is not enough! Blood isn’t just for horror movies. It saves lives. Make an appointment to donate blood, platelets or plasma to the Red Cross now: www.redcrossblood.org
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to disaster victims; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches life-saving skills; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to accomplish its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Tennessee or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossTN. The American Red Cross Tennessee Region serves all 95 counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas, and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. The Tennessee Region – part of a nationwide network of locally supported chapters – consists of the following eight Red Cross chapters: East Tennessee, Heart of Tennessee, Mid-South, Mid-West Tennessee, Nashville Area, Southeast Tennessee , Northeast Tennessee, and the Tennessee River.
