What: Once October rolls around, signs of Halloween can be spotted everywhere. From candy in the grocery store to the spooky ghosts hanging from neighborhood trees, the spirit of Halloween fills the air. In all the excitement, people may forget to stay safe during this ghostly holiday. Think safety and security first during Halloween Safety Month.
Background: According to the National Safety Council, there are a number of issues to consider regarding Halloween safety. For motorists, this means being aware of your surroundings and children on the streets. Meanwhile, parents should make sure all requirements for costume safety have been met and inspect treats before children consume these sugary snacks.
Story Pitch: A number of groups and organizations can pitch around Halloween safety. Local fire departments will want to encourage parents to check costumes for fire safety. In addition, local police departments should be sure to note the importance of traffic safety, both for trick-or-treaters and for drivers. Halloween is a busy night with a lot of traffic on foot and in cars. Local police may note the need for increased awareness on an evening so busy, while driving safety groups can build awareness. Candy producers may want to note the importance of moderation on a day like Halloween, when children may end up overindulging on sweets and treats. Halloween retailers can also promote costumes and goods around this time with an emphasis on safety. Meanwhile, communities and local shops may want to provide opportunities for children to haunt the streets safely in well-lit shopping communities or malls by hosting Halloween trick-or-treating.
Story Hook: According to SafeKids.org, two-thirds of parents ensure their children’s shoes fit well and are comfortable, but fewer require that kids take along a flashlight or wear flame-resistant costumes with reflective tape. Consider the following when you make your pitch:
- How can parents check a child’s costume for flame-resistance?
- What types of accessories should be avoided when choosing a Halloween costume?
- What accessories could be construed as harmful?
- What can parents do to ensure safety while children are trick-or-treating?
- What precautions should parents take regarding food safety and Halloween candy?
Tips: Local fire departments who promote fire safety around Halloween would have great tips on how to encourage people to be careful around the holiday. Also, parents who take steps to ensure their children’s Halloween is safe could offer suggestions.
Resources:
National Crime Prevention Council
(202) 466-6272
www.ncpc.org
National Safety Council
(630) 285-1121
www.nsc.org
United States Fire Administration
(301) 447-1000
www.usfa.fema.gov
United States Food and Drug Administration
(301) 796-4540
fdaoma(at)fda.hhs.gov
www.fda.gov
United States Department of Transportation
(800) 877-8339
www.dot.gov
–Researched, compiled & written by Kimberly Cooper
Event Dates from CHASE’S Calendar of Events