| Halloween is a holiday that allows children to use their imaginations and fill their candy jars all at the same time. In just a few shorts days, our neighborhoods and streets will fill with little ghosts, and goblins. Some of us are lucky enough to enjoy several hours sitting by front doors handing out candy and admiring children’s costumes; while others will be having fun enjoying the task of taking small children out trick-or-treating. While this celebration is fun, it can also pose dangers to those out on Halloween.
There are some simple cautionary measures you can take to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe Halloween this year. It starts with accompanying children to the door of every home they visit; only approaching homes with porch lights turned on, or those who are clearly inviting trick-or-treaters. It’s a great idea to use Halloween as a chance to further stress the importance of being aware of your surroundings. Also, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, twice as many children are injured in pedestrian related accidents on Halloween -- more than any other day throughout the year. With that in mind, always walk, don’t run, from house to house and only cross at marked crossings, and reinforcing the habit of looking both ways before crossing the street. Make being safe your number one priority.
In recent years, there have been more events developing in our area and around the state that provide families and children safer and more convenient alternatives on Halloween night. In the 21st District, there are events on the nights leading up to Halloween and on the big night itself.
For those who choose to stay out of costume, or who decide to host a safe environment for Halloween participants of any age, remember to keep open flames away from walking paths. Instead, keep them up on sturdy outdoor tables or in small, well contained fire pits, keeping a watchful eye on youngsters roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. Also, consider offering healthier alternatives to traditional candy for trick-or-treaters, such as raisins or pretzels.
Please keep these safety suggestions in mind, not only as you are preparing your homes for the upcoming holiday, but also as you are heading out the door. For more about Halloween safety, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov/ and search the term Halloween on their home page.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at (866) 277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Caldwell, Carroll, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Ray and Saline counties in the 21st State Senatorial District. |
