The primary mission at Vision Security Technologies is to help keep people safe and property secure. To that end, we hope everyone has 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

Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for young pedestrians according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are a few safety tips, including several from the NHTSA, to think about when walking near vehicles:

• Keep children close to you – a tall companion may be the first thing the driver of a vehicle sees. Plus, having an adult present is always a safe policy
• Attach reflective tape on costumes – headlights will reflect at the driver
• Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
• Be always visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
  
  

Awareness of Surroundings

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

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.

Glow sticks can be a great way to provide 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.

Fire Hazards

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

Covid-Safe Halloween

 The CDC is providing guidance for the Halloween season:

• Indoor activities where people are crowded together are considered higher risk than outdoor activities.
• If you cannot get your activities outside, increase ventilation, wear a mask, and stay at least 6 feet apart from people who are not in your household or personal bubble.
• A costume mask shouldn’t be considered a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used as personal protective equipment (PPE) unless it’s made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.
  
  

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.

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 safe and SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!