SOLANO COUNTY –– Solano Public Health, Solano County Sheriff’s Office, and Solano County Office of Education are partnering to encourage everyone to celebrate the fall season and Halloween safely this year. Parents and children can take the following precautions to stay safe and enjoy the holiday.
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS:
Inspect Candy Before Eating
Have a trusted adult sort through all the candy BEFORE it is eaten and
n Throw away any opened bags or boxes
n Throw anything away that is not individually wrapped unless it came from a trusted known source
n Throw away any homemade items unless they came from a trusted known source
n Throw away anything that looks like there has been any tampering with the packaging or that looks suspicious for any reason
Walk Safely
n Walk on the sidewalk instead of the street
n If you must cross the street or an intersection, look both ways before crossing
n Remind children to walk, not run
n Bring flashlights so you can see and be seen
n Plan your route ahead of time
n Stick to familiar areas that are well lit.
Wear a Costume That is Both Fun and Safe
n Some Halloween injuries are caused by trips and falls from costumes, so:
o Wear a costume that fits your body and does not drag on the floor
o Make sure any props you have do not have sharp edges
n Instead of masks, wear face paint so your vision is not obstructed
n Avoid novelty contact lenses such as “cat eyes” or “snake eyes” which can obstruct vision
n Avoid dark costumes if you can, as they are harder for drivers to see at night
n Wear reflective tape and/or stickers for better visibility.
Trick or Treat with an Adult
n All children under 12 years of age should be accompanied by an adult
n Older youth, if unaccompanied by an adult, should stay in groups
n Do NOT trick or treat by yourself.
Drive Safely
n Be extra cautious when driving Halloween night by:
o Slowing down in residential areas
o Scanning intersections for children potentially crossing
o Making sure your headlights are on to see pedestrians
n While driving children have them get out of cars on the curb side of the street, not facing traffic
n Do NOT drink and drive, designate a driver or ride home if you are planning on drinking alcohol.
Most importantly, have fun and be safe this fall season and on Halloween!