Garrison Safety officer urges trick-or-treaters to consider safety first during Halloween
By G. ANTHONIE RIIS | Fort Knox News
FORT KNOX, Kentucky -- Halloween is its own special occasion and one of the few times of the year where kids of any age can become someone or something else for a night.
A local garrison safety officer said it's best to be prepared and consider some safety measures before taking that walk -- darkness, traffic, and accepting candy, food or rides from strangers.
"It's always best if parents accompany kids and that they travel in groups," said Brian Wood, Fort Knox safety specialist. "Children should also wear light-colored clothing or some sort of reflective material. Flashlights help them see [obstacles] and help them to be seen by drivers. Parents shouldn't accept 'homemade' candies or foods, but only securely, commercially-wrapped candy that they have ensured hasn't been [tampered with]."
Wood also said that parents should have a plan complete with rules simple enough for kids to understand and concise enough that they won't forget if they get lost and frightened.
"Kids can get excited and you don't want them zig-zagging from house to house without paying attention to traffic. Rules should be simplistic and what they're used to: Stay with the group, cross at the crosswalk and look both ways before crossing," Wood said. "Parents might [consider] an emergency plan with a known [meeting] point [in the event] that children wander off.
"They should know that if they get separated from the group, they will wait for the group until [the group] finds them -- 'Don't leave! We'll find you.'"
Wood said the plan should take into account wearing proper attire, not only to ensure that children don't get cold, but also to avoid trip and obstructed sight hazards.
"Costumes should fit properly so kids aren't tripping over their outfits. Masks shouldn't cover the eyes and should allow kids to see where they're going," Wood said. "Walking or running shoes are advised rather than walking in [costume footwear] at night."
In a 2017 article published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration titled, "Halloween Safety: Costumes, Candy and Colored Contact Lenses" the FDA, in union with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, proffered some guidelines specific to Halloween.
For instance, the article suggests that children eat a hearty snack before heading out to discourage eating candy before inspection. Food labels should also be checked for allergens, drinks should be checked for pasteurization [avoid unpasteurized juices], and fruit should be thoroughly washed prior to eating it - don't forget apples eaten from the traditional Halloween 'bobbing for apples' tank.
The FDA also offers some safety suggestions on other Halloween-rated topics.
The article advises parents to look for flame-resistant labels on costumes, test small amounts of costume makeup on an arm first to ensure there isn't an allergic reaction, and get a prescription to wear colored contact lenses rather than novelty lenses that can irritate eyes.
Parents and trick-or-treaters aren't the only ones who need to consider safety. Wood said homeowners also have a role to play.
"Homeowners need to keep the walks well-lit, and keep lawn or porch ornaments clear from walk areas," Wood said. "Be careful that [props] meant to surprise visitors don't spook them so that they trip or run into things. Dogs should be put up so they don't react to strangers in masks."
Automobile operators should be aware and adjust for increased foot traffic that night, said Wood.
"Drivers who transport trick-or-treaters from place to place should use their hazards to warn other drivers that they will [make frequent stops]," Wood said. "Drivers will need to drive slower and pay special attention to their surroundings, and where children could be walking. It really is a job for the community to look out for each other so everyone makes it home after a fun evening."
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Halloween Safety: Costumes, Candy and Colored Contact Lenses
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