Halloween Safety Tips for Families, Friends and Neighbors from Senator O'Mara

For many families in our community, Halloween is a day for children to enjoy time with their friends and to go trick-or-treating. But that fun needs to be balanced with some safety measures to ensure that they enjoy the day safe and secure.

From WETM-TV, "Trick or Treat times for the Twin Tiers"

To help you keep the children in your life safe this Halloween, I'm happy to share the following common sense tips from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

> Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

>Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

> Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

> Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

> Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.

> Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

> Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

> Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

> Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

> Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

> Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

> Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

> Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

For additional Halloween Safety tips, please use the following links:

Halloween Safety Tips from Safe Kids Worldwide

American Academy of Pediatricians Halloween Safety Tips

Centers for Disease Control Halloween Section

New York State Police Halloween Safety Page

New York State Police Halloween Safety Brochure