OCTOBER 7-13, 2009 UCW 23
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
GI Joe, Hannah Montanas, Clone Troopers, princesses, angels, ghosts,
goblins, Wolverine X-Men and some pretty scary
monsters are only a
few of the costumed characters you'll probably
see walking through your neighborhood
on Halloween.
In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated
36 million children between the ages of 5 and
13 headed out for trick-or-treating fun around
the country in 2008. As many youngsters look
forward to a night of dressing up and filling
bags of candy while going door-to-door, special
emphasis should be placed on safety to ensure
everyone has a good time.
It seems like the buildup to Halloween gets
bigger every year. So, before parents get their
children ready for trick-or-treating, here are
some simple steps for child safety that should
be taken before the doorbell ringing and candy
gathering begins.
The National Safety Council and local
law enforcement agencies offer these excellent
guidelines for preparing children (and parents)
for a truly Happy Halloween:
• Ensure children under age 12 are super-
vised by an adult or older responsible youth.
Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters
intend to follow.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar
areas and along an established route.
• Teach your children to stop only at houses
or apartment buildings that are well lit, never enter a stranger's home and
establish a return time.
• Drivers should watch for children darting
out from between
parked cars.
• Dress children only in fire-retardant
costumes.
• Keep costumes hemmed so they don't cause
children to trip. Falls are the leading cause of
unintentional injuries on Halloween.
• Decorate Halloween costumes with light-
colored and light-reflecting material if kids will be
out after dark.
• Use facial make-up instead of masks, which
can obstruct a child's vision.
• Give children an early meal before sending
them trick-or-treating. Tell children not to eat any
treat until they return home and — when in doubt,
throw it out.
Whether you live in Hope Mills, Fayetteville or
Fort Bragg the memories of Halloween trick-or-
treating last for years after the candy is gone.
Make it a safe holiday by looking out for young
participants of one of our oldest annual traditions.
Get Ready for a Princess or Yoda to Ring Your Bell
by DENNIS KNOX
DENNIS KNOX,
Contributing Writer,
COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222
or editor@upandcomingweekly.com
