Tips for a Happy, Safe Halloween in Wyoming

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Walking Safety Tips

• 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, 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 no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Costume Safety

• Choose fire-resistant costumes, wigs and accessories
• Use reflective tape and/or glow sticks after dark
• Dress apropriately for the weather (freezing temps are not uncommon in these parts
• Avoid masks or other costumes that might obscure vision
• Test Halloween makeup for allergens before applying all over
• Remove all makeup before going to sleep to prevent skin and eye irritation

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Trick or Treating

• Send a responsible adult to accompany all young children
• Plan and review route with older children beforehand
• Agree on a specific time children should return home
• Charge cell phones beforehand and bring along
• Never enter a stranger's home or car
• Only travel in familiar, well-lit areas
• Use the buddy system, never walk alone
• Tell  children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies

Drivers

NSC offers these additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:

● Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
● Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
● Watch for children in dark clothing, especially after sunset
● Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween