Keep children safe this Halloween (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Keep children safe this Halloween

10:18am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News

PARENTS are being urged to follow a few simple safety tips to ensure this Halloween is a treat for their children.

Traditionally, emergency 999 calls to North West Ambulance Service soar on Halloween but the service believes this could be avoided if the public followed simple safety advice.

NWAS is urging parents to make sure they always accompany children when they are trick or treating, to make sure children carry a torch, glow sick and wear reflective clothing to make them visible to drivers.

Well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes should be worn to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls, children should learn how to cross the road properly as more accidents happen in the dark and face paints should be tested on a small area of skin first to check for irritation.

Derek Cartwright, director of emergency service at NWAS, said: “Halloween can be an exciting time for children and young people but combined with the dark nights and bad weather, children can be vulnerable to avoidable accidents.

“Emergency calls to the ambulance service soar at this time of years. We are urging parents to ensure their children are safe so they can enjoy the night and ambulances are free to attend life-threatening emergencies.

“People should think before they dial 999 about whether they really need an ambulance. More appropriate treatment could be available at a minor injuries unit, walk in centre, GP or pharmacy.”