Halloween Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips from Allstate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) October 28, 2011 -- GI Joes, Hannah Montanas, Clone Troopers, pirates, princesses, angels, ghosts, goblins, vampires and some pretty scary monsters are only a few of the costumed characters you’ll probably see walking through your neighborhood on Halloween.

In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated 41 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 headed out for trick-or-treating fun around the country in 2010. As many youngsters look forward to a night of dressing up and filling bags of candy while going door-to-door, special emphasis should be placed on safety to ensure everyone has a good time.

“It seems like the buildup to Halloween gets bigger every year,” said Allstate spokesperson John Heid. “And before parents get their children ready for trick-or-treating, some simple steps for child safety should be taken before the doorbell ringing and candy gathering begins.”

Allstate Insurance and the National Safety Council offer some excellent guidelines for preparing children and parents for a truly Happy Halloween:

• Ensure children under age 12 are supervised by an adult or older responsible youth. Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters intend to follow.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
• Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well lit, never enter a stranger's home and establish a return time.
• Drivers should watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Dress children only in fire-retardant costumes.
• Keep costumes hemmed so they don’t cause children to trip. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.

• Decorate Halloween costumes with light-colored and light-reflecting material if kids will be out after dark.
• Use facial make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision.
• Give children an early meal before sending them trick-or-treating. Tell children not to eat any treat until they return home and - when in doubt, throw it out

Memories of Halloween trick-or-treating last for years after the candy is gone, so make it a safe holiday by looking out for young participants of one of our oldest annual traditions.

For more information on this or other safety topics, contact your local Allstate agent.

The Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

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