Halloween is a time for costumes, fun and lots of candy! But before you or your kids dig into that trick-or-treat bag, know there are two steps you can take to stay safe and enjoy your treats.
1. Practice road safety
On Halloween, families go door-to-door trick-or-treating. One of the biggest safety risks is passing cars.
Here are a few easy safety tips for those on foot and riding bikes:
Wear clothing reflectors and use flashlights to help show drivers where you are on the road.
Use sidewalks and crosswalks when possible and stay out of roads.
When no sidewalk is available, walk on the left side of the street against the flow of traffic so drivers can more easily see you.
Avoid walking and using your phone at the same time. Stay focused on your surroundings at all times.
If you are riding a bike, wear a helmet and ride in the same direction as traffic.
For more information: Watch for Me NC
2. Check candy wrappers before digging in!
Be aware that some candy-like products, known as edibles, can contain ingredients that are not safe for children. They often look just like regular sweets, which makes it hard to tell the difference.
Here are some simple ways to stay safe this Halloween:
Look closely at the labels. Edible products often have warning labels like “THC,” “cannabis” or a small marijuana leaf symbol. This is not related just to cannabis. Other intoxicating substances, such as Kratom or MDMA, may also mimic candies. Look for unusual wrapping, appearance, unusual colors, odd smell, misspelled candy labels or unknown substances in the ingredient list.
Keep adult products out of reach. If you or someone in your home uses edibles, store them safely, away from children and teens.
If a child might have eaten an edible, immediately call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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