Greenfield, Wis. – Costumes and candy. Tricks and treats. Halloween is almost here, and Wisconsinites are ready for fall festivities! Healthline First Aid, an American Heart Association training center in Greenfield, shares some not-so-spooky tips for a safe and fun Halloween.
“As a father, I cherish the memories of Halloween and Trick-or-Treating with my now-grown daughters,” said Andrew Berger, a nationally registered EMT-paramedic and owner of Healthline First Aid. “I want to help families create those memories this season and stay safe in the process.”
Healthline suggests taking the following steps to keep your family safe:
- Check your smoke detectors. In this season of glowing jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin-scented candles and driveway fire pits, make sure your home isn’t haunted by dead batteries!
- Visibility is key. Many neighborhoods host evening Trick-or-Treat. With the sun setting earlier this time of year, it can be more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Consider adding reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes or simply carrying a flashlight to make your group more visible.
- Cross carefully. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible and only cross streets at corners or marked crosswalks.
- Update emergency contacts. Make sure your children know how to reach you or another trusted adult if something goes wrong.
- Confirm your child’s treats are safe. For many parents, this goes beyond checking to make sure treats have not been tampered with. Food allergies in the U.S. have increased by 50% since the 1990s. If your child has known allergies, pull those items immediately to reduce risk of a reaction.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels “off” or makes you uncomfortable, prioritize safety and head home.
“As you make your Halloween plans, it doesn’t take much to keep safety in mind,” said Berger. “But these small actions can make a big difference for your family.”
Visit hlfirstaid.com to learn more.
