***NOTE TO NEWS EDITOR***
Halloween safety interviews are available this week.
Call Thea Linscott at (516) 747-3500 ext. 215 or (516) 297-0175 (cellular) to schedule an interview.  

      MINEOLA, N.Y., October 20, 2006 - As ghosts, pirates, and princesses prepare to descend on neighborhoods across Long Island this Friday for Halloween, the American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau) offers parents and guardians some safety tips to help prepare children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday. 

      “By following a few simple safety tips, parents and guardians can make this Halloween a safe and fun time for their little trick-or-treaters,” said Matthew Crimmins of Malverne, ARC/Nassau Director of Health and Safety Services, based in Mineola, and Captain with the Malverne Ambulance Corps. “Most Halloween injuries are preventable as long as parents and children take some simple precautions.” 

      ARC/Nassau offers the following “Lucky 13 Tricks” safety tips for parents or guardians to share with their trick-or-treaters to prevent injuries this Halloween. 

1.      Plan your route and share it with your family. Have an adult go with children.

2.      Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!

3.      Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.

4.      Cross the street only at corners. Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms.

5.      Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars.

6.      Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks if available, not in the street.

7.      Carry a flashlight to light your way.

8.      Visit homes that have the porch light on.

9.      Keep away from open fires and candles. Costumes can be extremely flammable.

10.  Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.

11.  Be cautious of strangers and animals.

12.  Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don't eat candy if the package is already opened.

13.  Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.  

      ARC/Nassau is a not-for-profit humanitarian service organization that is not a government agency and relies on the generous donations of others. ARC/Nassau provides emergency assistance to victims of disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, winter storms, floods and man-made disasters; safety-related courses, including CPR, First Aid and Aquatics; Holocaust and war victims tracing; and service to military families, such as emergency communication, financial assistance, counseling and leave requests. To make a financial contribution, take a safety course, volunteer or request more information, call (516) 747-3500 or visit www.NassauRedCross.org.

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