Parent Child Resource Center in Derby offers safety tips

The Parent Child Resource Center wishes all of you a very Happy and Safe Halloween! As we prepare for trick or treaters, we thought to send some useful tips for safety.

Considering our focus is on supporting families and the well-being of children, we wish you all a very Happy and Safe Halloween Celebration!

  

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Walk Safely

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.








Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. 








Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street.








Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.








Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are not sidewalks or paths, be sure to walk facing traffic, as far to the left as possible.








Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.








Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision.








Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 








When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.








Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.








Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.








Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.








Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.








Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

For more tips and resources for kids and families, visit www.LNVPCRC.org.

This is a press release from the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center in Derby.