October 29, 2002
American Red Cross Offers Tips for Halloween Safety
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| PITTSBURGH, PA – As ghosts, pirates and princesses prepare to descend on neighborhoods across America on Halloween night, the American Red Cross offers parents some safety tips to help prepare their children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday.
“Most Halloween injuries are preventable, if parents and children take some simple precautions,” said Ann Walton, Director of Health and Safety Services for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter.
The following “lucky 13" safety tips are for parents to share with their trick-or-treaters to prevent injuries at Halloween.
1. Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.
2. Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too!)
3. Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.
4. Cross the street only at corners.
5. Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.
6. Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
7. Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks; not in the street.
8. Carry a flashlight to light your way.
9. Visit homes that have the porch light on.
10. Keep away from open fires and candles. (Keep in mind that costumes can be extremely flammable.)
11. Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.
12. Be cautious of strangers and animals.
13. Have adults inspect treats before eating. And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.
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October 22, 2002
American Red Cross Encourages Emergency Preparedness - Hosts Free Seminar in “Preparing for the Unexpected”
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| PITTSBURGH, PA – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – This Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 and 24, 2002, the American Red Cross is encouraging local citizens to attend a free seminar and become prepared to face an unexpected community-wide emergency.
After the events of September 11, 2001, local citizens needed and wanted to feel safer. Answering this demand, the American Red Cross began offering a 90-minute seminar called "Preparing for the Unexpected."
“Knowing what to expect and what is in their control during an emergency helps people not to panic,” said Archie Davis, Manager of Community Education for the Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter.
The Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter will offer highlights from “Preparing for the Unexpected” from 11:15 a.m. until noon in the USX Tower Auditorium, 600 Grant Street, Downtown. (The seminar runs October 23 and will repeat on October 24.)
Participants learn:
How to develop a family emergency response plan
How to assemble first aid kits and disaster supply kits
The basics about administering First Aid
Now more than ever, the Red Cross is encouraging people to develop emergency response plans for their homes, workplaces and schools, so that they know how to respond to an act of terror or any other emergency that might occur.
For more information about “Preparing for the Unexpected,” or to register for the seminar please call Archie Davis at the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter at (412) 263-3188.
For more online information about "Preparing for the Unexpected" visit our special "Preparing for the Unexpected" section. |
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