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Tips for a Safe Halloween

Whether you’re vacationing in Myrtle Beach over Halloween or you live here year ‘round, there are safety tips you’ll want to keep in mind during the upcoming Halloween season. While there are many local activities taking place for Halloween many families still like to go door-to-door trick or treating. Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. Those older than 12 should go out in groups.

Wear Safe Costumes
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape and choose light or bright colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a vision.
• Carrying glow sticks or flashlights will help children see and be seen by drivers easier.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Safety when Walking
• Cross the street only at crosswalks on corners and following traffic signals.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep watching for vehicles as you cross.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Children should make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Drive Safely
• Slow down and be especially alert when passing through residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may not pay attention to vehicles.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. They don’t always cross where they should!
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.