EDITORIAL: How to have a happy but safe Halloween

Posted 10/28/14

What was once primarily an activity for children to collect some free candy as they wandered through neighborhoods has grown into a massive event, complete with adults in costume, theme parties and millions upon millions in retail spending. Almost …

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EDITORIAL: How to have a happy but safe Halloween

Posted

Halloween continues to grow, like a creature from beyond that knows no limits.

What was once primarily an activity for children to collect some free candy as they wandered through neighborhoods has grown into a massive event, complete with adults in costume, theme parties and millions upon millions in retail spending. Almost everyone gets into the spirit now.

We wish you a treat-filled holiday this Friday, with a scare or two tossed in for good measure. Powelloween, our annual tradition, will allow hundreds of youngsters to display their costumes and masks while receiving treats from local businesses during the late afternoon. It’s a wonderful local tradition.

The Harvest Carnival will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday at The Commons at Pond Park. It’s a free family-friendly event with games, prizes and food and we recommend taking the little ones there after they stalk the streets downtown.

Still, we know some folks want to go trick-or-treating and indulge in other seasonal pleasures. Here are a few tips to avoid tricks that may do more than spook you and your loved ones on Halloween.

The Wyoming Poison Center alerts us to the dangers of glow sticks — the plastic tubes filled with a glowing liquid. The center had 60 calls last year about the product but says people need not fear serious harm even if a child reports immediate stinging and a burning sensation.

“The glow sticks make children more visible in the dark while trick-or- treating — but they are soft to chew on and can be easily broken open,” the center states in a release. “If children get some of the liquid in their mouth or eye there is no need to run to an emergency room. Call the Poison Center and the nurse will tell you what you need to do.”

The center’s number is 1-800-222-1222.

Some other useful advice from the WPC:

The Park County Sheriff’s Office also offers some advice on making sure your Halloween is happy and not haunted.

Drivers should enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully and eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Drive slowly, the office advises, and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic. Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

Here in Powell, bars will be open all night, so celebrants can enjoy the spirits amidst the splendid fall weather and have a ghostly good time. In addition, the Powell High School football team will be playing in the Class 3A playoffs, so there are a lot of reasons to celebrate.

At home, a bit of preparation can ensure you, your family and your guests are safe, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Candle decorations and costumes with billowing or long, trailing fabric are a fire risk, according to the NFPA.

NFPA’s most recent statistics show that decorations were the first items to be ignited in 920 reported home structure fires on average each year, resulting in six civilian deaths, 47 civilian injuries and $12.9 million in direct property damage. Keep decorations away from heat sources and be especially careful with candles.

Give out non-edible treats such as stickers, pencils, erasers, or other party favors. Sponsor a block party as an alternative to wide-range trick-or-treating. Parties at home can substitute for, or at least shorten, trick-or-treat trips.

There will be several reasons to be alert and aware of the risks of Halloween. Make sure the only frights you experience are good-natured ones in keeping with tradition.

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