Kansas State Child Death Review Board Promotes Halloween Safety
Oct. 26, 2007 -- Halloween is just around the corner and most children have their costumes ready to go for a howling night of trick-or-treating. The Kansas State Child Death Review Board (SCDRB) encourages parents and caregivers to keep their little pirates, princesses, ghosts and ghouls safe.To enjoy a safe Halloween, the SCDRB suggests the following
- Wear a light-colored or reflective costume that can be seen in the dark – or carry glow stick or flashlight (and extra batteries);
- Unobstructed sight is important! Use face makeup rather than masks, if possible;
- Tripping over your costume is no fun. Be sure shoes fit well and costume does not drag on the ground;
- Always travel in groups. Small children should always be accompanied by trusted adults;
- Remain in familiar neighborhoods, and only go to houses that are well lit, inside and out;
- Map out your route and tell parents/guardians your plans and expected return time;
- If possible, carry a cell phone with home and emergency numbers programmed for easy access. Be sure parents/guardians have the number for the cell phone;
- Walk on sidewalks whenever possible and stay close to the curb facing traffic where there are no sidewalks. – NO darting out into the street!;
- Do not approach or get into the cars of strangers;
- Wait to eat treats until you have thoroughly examined the wrappings in a well-lit area with adults.
Common sense and a little planning can make Halloween 2007 the safest one yet!
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The SCDRB is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency board that examines the circumstances surrounding the deaths of all Kansas children (birth through 17 years of age) and children who are not Kansas residents, but who die in the state. The goals of the SCDRB are to describe the trends and patterns of child deaths in Kansas, to develop prevention strategies, and to improve sources of data and communication among agencies. The Board works toward lowering child deaths in Kansas through research, education, and legislation.
For additional information, visit our Child Safety Web page, or contact Angela Nordhus, SCDRB Executive Director, at (785) 296-7970.