Rockland Offers Tips For Safe Halloween Fun

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The county of Rockland wants to make sure all trick-or-treaters have a safe and fun holiday.

To that end, County Executive Ed Day and Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert are handing out tips for families and their children to follow.

Ruppert said that Halloween is one of the most enjoyable days of the year for Rockland children. However, while dressing up and going trick or treating is fun, there are risks.

“Trick-or-treaters need adult supervision, even if they travel in groups,” she said. “Children should have a good meal before trick-or-treating, so they are not tempted to eat their treats before an adult checks them.”

Additionally, Ruppert said that children should never eat open or unwrapped treats, so people should consider offering non-edible goodies to trick-or-treaters.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest you and your children follow these tips for a safe and fun Halloween:

S Swords, knives, and similar costume extras should be short, soft, and flexible.
A Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups with a trusted adult.
F Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
E Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them, and limit the amount of treats you eat.

H Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
A Always test makeup in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
L Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible. Always walk, don't run, from house to house.
L Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
W Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to see clearly and prevent trips and falls.
E Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
E Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
N Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

If you are considering using face paint on your child, it is important to note that many of these products are imported and may contain lead or other toxic chemicals. Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients do not need the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval before they reach store shelves, with the exception of color additives. For more information, visit the FDA website.

For more information about Halloween safety, visit the CDC website.