Have a Safe and Enjoyable Halloween

From the Kent Regional Fire Authority:

While out trick-or- treating, keep on the lookout for firefighters from the Kent Regional Fire Authority in your neighborhood.

Those firefighters will be handing out small red flashers that the kids can attach to their costumes to make them more visible. By wearing the flashers the kids and parents can make Halloween a safe night of fun.

What else can adults do to help keep their little goblins and witches safe?

• Young children should always have adult supervision

• Pick costumes that have bright colors

• Avoid masks or other headgear that limits peripheral vision – use face makeup instead of a mask

• Add reflective material to costumes

• Carry and use a flashlight

• Cross streets carefully and use sidewalks where available

• Wear your fire department issued red flasher

• Trick-or- treat in neighborhoods you are familiar with

• Never eat candy not in its original wrapper

• Plan your path so that others will know where you are

• Never enter a house unless you know the residents well

House safety during Halloween:

• Remove tripping hazards such as garden hoses, bikes, and toys

• Keep excitable pets away from children

It is expected to be raining on Halloween night, so dress appropriately and be aware that drivers will have more difficulty than usual seeing children.

The Kent RFA hopes everyone has a safe and enjoyable Halloween night.

Safety tips for your pets

From the Regional Animal of Services of King County:

Halloween is “spook-tacular” for kids of all ages but the holiday can be pretty scary for our pets.

The Regional Animal Services of King County would like to remind pet owners of a few safety tips before the ghosts and goblins come begging.

• Never feed candy to your pet, especially chocolate. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into Halloween treats, contact your veterinarian right away.

• Costumes can be scary to some pets. If your pet is easily spooked by strangers or loud noises, consider keeping them safe in a pet crate or confined to a quiet room while trick-or-treaters are out.

• Since they can escape when you open the door for trick-or-treaters, be sure your pet is wearing a collar with a license or ID tag securely attached. You may also consider microchipping your cat or dog. Check with your veterinarian.

• If your pet does escape, check with all local shelters and animal rescue groups, as scared pets can sometimes travel long distances. You can file a report on RASKC’s website at www.kingcounty.gov/ LostAPet.

Tips for a fire safe Halloween

From the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office:

To make the most of your Halloween this season, there are several ways to help you and your family stay fire safe.

“Taking simple precautions, like making sure costumes and home decorations are flame-resistant, can help prevent injuries and fires,” State Fire Marshal Chuck Duffy said.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends practicing these safety habits for a fire safe and happy Halloween:

• Check the label. Purchase costumes and decorations made of “flame-resistant” materials.

• Avoid baggy or long trailing costumes. Use make-up rather than masks.

• Instruct children to stay away from open flames and other heat sources. Be sure children know to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if their clothing ever catches fire.

• Always carry lightweight flashlights or glow sticks when trick-or-treating.

• Choose battery-operated candles or flashlights when decorating your home; never use candles to light Jack-o’- lanterns.

• Keep home decorations away from open flames and heat sources; use extreme caution with highly flammable decorations such as cornstalks and hay bales.

• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, never block escape routes.

• If attending a Halloween party, be aware of your surroundings and know how to escape in case of an emergency.

AAA encourages parents and motorists to think safety this Halloween

Halloween remains one of the deadliest days for pedestrians

Halloween is a celebration of the scary and frightful, but not when it comes to the safety of everyone on our roadways. AAA Washington is urging motorists to slow down, driver sober and be extra alert for trick-or-treaters, and pedestrians are encouraged to be smart, be safe and be seen when walking on the roads.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities, and in the last five years (2011-2015), 45 percent of all motor vehicle deaths during Halloween involved an impaired driver.

It’s important for drivers to show extra caution and to slow down when pedestrians are on the roadway. Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that a pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed if they are hit by a car traveling at 35 mph compared to 25 mph. What seems like a small difference – slowing down just 10 mph – can be the difference between life and death.

“Because excited kids often forget about safety during Halloween festivities,” said Jennifer Cook, AAA Washington spokesperson. “AAA encourages parents to make sure their trick-or-treaters are as safe as possible with highly visible costumes, parental supervision and flashlights.”

Safety Tips for Motorists:

• Watch for children darting out into the street. Trick-or-treaters may not pay attention to cars and cross mid-block or between parked cars.

• Slow down and drive with caution, especially in low-lit neighborhoods between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight when pedestrians are most vulnerable.

• Avoid driving through neighborhoods. If possible, avoid cutting through residential streets where trick-or-treaters are likely to be.
• Drive sober. If you plan to attend a Halloween party where alcohol and marijuana is offered, plan ahead and designate a sober driver or call a ride service so everyone gets home safe.
• Stay alert when driving and limit the distractions from passengers and cell phones.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians:

• Trick-or-Treat as a group or accompany young trick-or-treaters.
• Choose disguises that don’t obstruct vision, opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks, and add reflective material or tape to keep kids visible.
• Be bright at night – wear retro-reflective tape on costumes, carry a flashlight or glow sticks.
• Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
• Cross streets only at the corner, and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
• Make a plan. Review trick-or-treat safety precautions and plan your route ahead of time.
• Buckle up. If driving trick-or-treaters between neighborhoods, always use appropriate seat belts or car seats and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle.

AAA Washington has been serving members and the traveling public since 1904. The organization provides a variety of exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts, maps and personalized trip planning, to its 1.1 million members. In addition, its full-service travel and insurance agencies provide products and services for members and the public. Additional information is available through the company’s offices in Washington and northern Idaho, at www.AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.