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With Halloween night near, rain in the forecast and pedestrian accidents still the biggest danger to trick-or-treating children, families should deploy electricity and lighting safety in their efforts to keep kids safe.

Since the Department of Transportation cites twice as many child pedestrian fatalities on Halloween than on any other day of the year, parents and kids should begin by carrying flashlights while trick-or-treating or wearing light-up items. These light-up items include reflective tape or glow sticks, which in addition to being inexpensive can be creatively made into fun and noticeable bracelets and necklaces.

“Light is a great way to catch the eye of drivers since kids can get distracted in their excitement on Halloween night,” said James Mackenzie, principal manager of Corporate Safety Programs at Southern California Edison (SCE). ”However, that light should never involve burning candles because they can lead to costume fires and fires in general.”

Mackenzie urges parents to ensure their children wear flame-resistant, light-colored outfits that, if possible, don’t have billowing or long-trailing fabric in the event open fires or burning candles are present while trick-or-treating. For those making home-made costumes, use flame-resistant fabrics.

And, though it might lessen the spookiness, a well-lit home is not only more welcoming but safer in helping prevent trips and falls. Homeowners can also help by keeping electrical cords out of high-traffic areas. In reaching those homes, trick-or-treaters should always cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

“With Halloween falling on Friday, families should be even more careful because of the combination of trick-or-treaters and partygoers,” said Mackenzie. “And since more kids are out after dark than usual, drivers should slow down and eliminate distractions like mobile devices because a distraction-free Halloween can hopefully help lead to a safer one.”