Fire - Ask a Firefighter Columns
Glendale Republic
10-08-08
Halloween is just around the corner and several families are excited for the much anticipated tradition. A very important question comes to mind during this time of year; “How can we keep our children safe on Halloween night?
This is an important stat to keep in mind; children are four times more likely to be struck by a car on Halloween night than any other night of the year. The City of Glendale is promoting the message “Be Safe, Be Seen” and the transportation department along with Glendale libraries are teaming up to offer reflective bags for trick or treating and reflective stickers to apply to costumes to keep children visible on Halloween night. These items can be picked up at any of the three city libraries and are free while supplies last.
While many children and parents tend to get dressed for the occasion, many families also decorate their home for such occasion. While decorating your home, it’s best to not use candles but rather safe alternatives such as flash lights, glow sticks and battery operated candles. Decorating for special events such as Halloween accounts for a national annual average of 1,000 home fires, most often involving candles, $6.8 million in direct property damage and most importantly two civilian deaths.
Following these other safety tips will add to the safety of our children on Halloween night;
Motorists
- Be on alert and understand that literally thousands of children are walking around in clothing that may not be too bright.
- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleyways with caution.
Parents
- Ask your children to walk and not run. We wouldn’t want a princess or pirate to trip and fall.
- Consider bright colors when helping your children select a costume that fits.
- Remain on well-lit streets and use sidewalks. Remind children to use crosswalks after looking both ways.
More Halloween Safety Tips can be found on the Glendale Fire Department Web site; click here to go there now.
