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CNN Live At Daybreak
Trick-Or-Treat Tips: Safety Concerns
Aired October 31, 2003 - 06:43 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Trick or treaters will be out in full force tonight, as you know, but before you send your little monsters out on the prowl, you've got to listen to Julie Vallese. Let's go live to Washington, she has some safety concerns for every parent.
Good morning -- Julie.
JULIE VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
You know before you send your kids out for a night of tricks or treats, parents really do need to make that extra stop for safety, because while Halloween may be one of the most fun times for kids, it's also one of the most dangerous.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JULIE VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Ghouls and goblins, tricks and treats, Halloween is a night for fun, but here's something all parents should know that is frightening.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Children on the night of Halloween are four times more likely to be hit by a car.
VALLESE: One reason, dark costumes. Another, masks that don't allow children to see. Reflective tape on the back of costumes makes it easier for cars to see children and making larger eye openings in masks or using face paints makes it easier for children to see cars.
HAL STRATTON, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION: Most of the injuries that we see that fit into our jurisdiction here come from costumes coming into contact with fire.
VALLESE: Homemade costumes may be some of the most creative, but they could be the most dangerous. This lab test shows how quickly a ghost with the wrong kind of material can go up in smoke. Store bought are a parent's best bet for safety. They are legally required to be made with nonflammable materials.
And what usually ignites costumes are candles and jack-o- lanterns.
STRATTON: Putting them on the stoop or on the steps or on the porch is not a good idea.
VALLESE: Move them and other objects away from paths and doorways. And while kids may be tempted to sample candy as they go from house to house, it should be inspected first.
STRATTON: The candy that you eat should be the kind that is, you know, factory wrapped and sealed.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VALLESE: Now the best way to make sure your kids don't snack along the way is for parents to go with them. Experts say not only will you get to enjoy seeing your kids enjoy the holiday but you also ensure their safety from start to finish -- Carol.
COSTELLO: And it's so entertaining when you see the parents dressed up in a costume along with their kids. The parents look miserable but happy to be with the kids.
Julie Vallese, reporting live from Washington, many thanks.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired October 31, 2003 - 06:43 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Trick or treaters will be out in full force tonight, as you know, but before you send your little monsters out on the prowl, you've got to listen to Julie Vallese. Let's go live to Washington, she has some safety concerns for every parent.
Good morning -- Julie.
JULIE VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
You know before you send your kids out for a night of tricks or treats, parents really do need to make that extra stop for safety, because while Halloween may be one of the most fun times for kids, it's also one of the most dangerous.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JULIE VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Ghouls and goblins, tricks and treats, Halloween is a night for fun, but here's something all parents should know that is frightening.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Children on the night of Halloween are four times more likely to be hit by a car.
VALLESE: One reason, dark costumes. Another, masks that don't allow children to see. Reflective tape on the back of costumes makes it easier for cars to see children and making larger eye openings in masks or using face paints makes it easier for children to see cars.
HAL STRATTON, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION: Most of the injuries that we see that fit into our jurisdiction here come from costumes coming into contact with fire.
VALLESE: Homemade costumes may be some of the most creative, but they could be the most dangerous. This lab test shows how quickly a ghost with the wrong kind of material can go up in smoke. Store bought are a parent's best bet for safety. They are legally required to be made with nonflammable materials.
And what usually ignites costumes are candles and jack-o- lanterns.
STRATTON: Putting them on the stoop or on the steps or on the porch is not a good idea.
VALLESE: Move them and other objects away from paths and doorways. And while kids may be tempted to sample candy as they go from house to house, it should be inspected first.
STRATTON: The candy that you eat should be the kind that is, you know, factory wrapped and sealed.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VALLESE: Now the best way to make sure your kids don't snack along the way is for parents to go with them. Experts say not only will you get to enjoy seeing your kids enjoy the holiday but you also ensure their safety from start to finish -- Carol.
COSTELLO: And it's so entertaining when you see the parents dressed up in a costume along with their kids. The parents look miserable but happy to be with the kids.
Julie Vallese, reporting live from Washington, many thanks.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
