Our focus at Vision Security Technologies is to help keep people safe and secure. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things in 2020… and Halloween will not be an exception. With that in mind, if you have plans to get out with family and friends be sure to adhere to recommended CDC guidelines for a safe and happy Halloween. Here are a few safety tips and resources for your family to consider this Halloween season.

Vehicles May Not See Kids

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for young pedestrians. Here are four safety tips to think about when walking near vehicles:

1. Keep children close to you – a tall companion may be what the driver of a vehicle sees

2. Attach reflective tape on their costumes – headlight reflection is important

3. Use designated cross walks – drivers will be more aware when approaching a crosswalk

4. Eye contact – ensure drivers have seen you by making eye contact before crossing the street

Awareness of Surroundings

As more kids start carry mobile devices, Halloween is a great time to focus on fun and put away the phone. Distracted trick-or-treaters can trip, fall, or even walk into the path of vehicles while looking down at their devices.

Clear Vision

Masks can obscure vision which can lead to slips, trips, falls, and encounters with vehicles or other pedestrians. Be sure there’s no chance of the costume blocking any part of the field of vision.

Fire Hazards

Ensure that all costumes are made of fire-resistant materials. Some jock-o’-lanterns may have open flames inside of them which could easily ignite a loose costume.

Pet Safety

Many people overlook bringing their pets inside or to keep them in a different room away from the front door. That can lead to your pet getting agitated by visitors or getting out of the door and running away.

Another hazard for pets is Halloween candy—chocolate and artificial sweeteners consumed in large amounts can be harmful to animals. Make sure they haven’t helped themselves to your trick-or-treat stash! Exercise pet awareness and be alert to where your furry friends are.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks can be a great way to provide some ambient lighting as the kids walk from house to house. However, poison control centers across the country experience a surge in call volume on Halloween due to glow stick contents consumption. The liquid in glow sticks can cause irritation and vomiting, so make sure to tell your kids to keep them away from their mouths and your pets.

FBI’s Child ID App

There couldn’t be a better time to download the FBI’s Child ID app. This FREE APP offers you a place to electronically store photos and critical information about your child. It also offers a wealth of information about what to do if your child is missing. Another great benefit of the app is that it enables you to quickly and easily email information about your missing child to authorities. Click here to download the app

We hope you have a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!