By Dani Norton
Staff writer
The time is fast approaching when millions of children will take to the streets to fill their plastic pumpkins to the brim with candy and delight in numerous Halloween festivities.
It is a spooky night, to be sure, but ghouls and goblins are not the only threat parents should worry about on Monday.
The Center for Disease Control reports that wrongful death of children under the age of 14 is four times higher on Halloween night than any other night of the year.
A common misconception is that this is due to tampering with candy.
Actually, most injuries or deaths occurring on Halloween night result from accidents involving vehicles.
Auto accidents are the No. 1 cause of injury on Halloween, followed closely by fires.
Reckless drivers and trick-or-treaters sporting costumes that do not provide much visibility are typically to blame for accidents related to automobiles, according to the CDC.
When taking children out for Halloween, make sure their costumes are either brightly colored or have them wear reflective tape to ensure drivers can spot them after dark.
Masks that cover the entire face tend to obscure vision, so it is important to be certain the eye holes are large enough to see clearly out of. If possible, opt for face paint instead.
Even though candy is not the most imminent threat on Halloween night, parents should always check to make sure it has not been tampered with.
If the wrapping looks like it has been opened, throw it out. Do not allow children to accept homemade treats from strangers and only let them trick-or-treat from well lit houses in familiar neighborhoods.
Parents should never leave their children without a responsible adult, even if they are trick-or-treating in a familiar neighborhood.
Senior Raeann Azbill never lets her first grader go around her own neighborhood without a parent.
“I see kids every year walking around without an adult, really young kids that should be accompanied no matter what. Even though it’s our neighborhood and it’s supposed to be safe, you never know who could be looking to take advantage of that misconception,” she said.
Despite all of these potential dangers, many cities and towns do their part in facilitating safe trick-or-treating by providing a fun and safe environment for families to celebrate. Schools, malls and local businesses are a good place to begin looking for Halloween fun.
For example, Residence Life here on campus hosts a Halloween extravaganza for the public to attend.
Children can play games, have snacks and trick-or-treat safely throughout the residence halls from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m. on Halloween night.
Families may also visit Downtown Durant for their trick-or-treating event from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information regarding these events, contact Residence Life at 745-2948 and Durant Main Street at 924-1550.