HARTFORD, October 27 -- Halloween is one of childhood’s most anticipated and treasured holidays, so taking a few basic safety precautions to ensure that the evening is enjoyable and fondly remembered is important, according to the Department of Consumer Protection.

“The number one cause of injury for kids on Halloween is traffic accidents, so it’s essential to review sidewalk safety with your trick or treaters a few times before the big night,” Commissioner Rubenstein said today.  “Also, make sure that children can see and be seen, by equipping them with flashlights and reflective jewelry or stickers on their costumes.”

Whether you are accompanying your children or not, make sure you all know in advance where they can go, with whom, and how long they can be gone. Have a set time for them to be home and be sure they have a way to know the time.  Don’t make these arrangements at the last minute; start the discussion a few days ahead and remind them of the rules as they head out the door.

Some things to consider and discuss include:

• Stay in a group; walk, don’t run; and communicate with each other on where they are going.
• Trick-or-treat only in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• Stay on well-lit streets and use sidewalks; don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
• Don’t enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• Watch and listen for cars, because not all drivers can see children crossing the street.
• Cross at crosswalks or street corners; don’t cut between parked cars.
• Bring all Halloween “loot” home to be inspected for open or unwrapped goodies, which should be discarded.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection enforces many safety regulations for toys and other children’s articles. Important laws include the Connecticut State Child Protection Act and the Federal Consumer Product Safety Act.

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Media Contact: Claudette Carveth

Claudette.carveth@ct.gov

860-713-6022