Including Tips to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu Germs

RALEIGH, NC, October 28, 2009 — With Halloween right around the corner, and H1N1 flu widespread across the country, the American Red Cross offers tips to help parents and children celebrate safely this year. “We don’t want anyone to go out trick-or-treating and come home sick,” said Sharon Stanley, Chief Nurse of the American Red Cross. “You can follow these special tips to try to have a flu-free Halloween:”

· If your child is sick, keep them at home. This will be disappointing to your young one, but your neighbors and community are counting on you to hold the line on transmission of this virus.

· Remind kids to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs away. Carry that hand sanitizer with you or have it near your candy dispensing area.

· If you are giving out candy, hand it out or scoop it. Instead of a bowl of candy, consider handing out small, individually wrapped bags of treats.

· Throw away any unwrapped candy and inspect the rest for choking hazards and tampering.

To help prevent other dangers, take the following steps for a safer Halloween:

· Use flame-resistant costumes.

· Plan your route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.

· Make sure the trick-or-treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.

· Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

· Instead of masks which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see, use face makeup.

· Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.

· Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

· If you are welcoming ghosts and goblins, make sure your outdoor lights are on.

· Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.

· Clear your porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.

· Restrain your pets.

· Use a glow stick instead of a candle in your jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.

Visit TriangleARC.org for more information on how to have a safe and happy Halloween.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.TriangleARC.org.