Released on: October 26, 2007, 10:23 am

Press Release Author: Jimmy Maass

Industry: Media

Press Release Summary: Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance provides the public with
important information and tips throughout the year to aid in safety and health. This
alert provides tips on Halloween safety.

Press Release Body: RICHMOND, VA, October 26, 2007 - There are few days in the year
as exciting as Halloween. The thrill of children-and adults-decorating houses,
carving pumpkins, obtaining sweets, and taking to the streets dressed as
make-believe ghosts, witches, and goblins can be an incredibly invigorating
experience. However, the dangers of Halloween are very real.
"With so much going on and everyone having such a good time, it is easy to forget to
be careful and safe," says Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator at Virginia Farm Bureau.
"We know that pedestrian fatalities involving children are about 4.5 times the
levels of other nights of the year, so we encourage parents and children to put
safety first."
Before Halloween comes, use these tips to help make your home and candy-gathering
fun and safe:
. Choose a costume for your child that doesn't hang or drag, has eye holes big
enough for good vision, and is fireproof. If your child has a prop (such as a
sword), be sure its edges are dulled and it will collapse if fallen on.
. If you choose facial makeup as part of the costume, make sure it won't run into
their eyes and irritate them, obstructing vision.
. If you decorate a jack-o-lantern and put it on your porch, be sure the carved
creature is far enough from the door stoop to prevent accidentally setting a
visitor's costume on fire. Even better, use a flashlight or purchase flickering
lights that are battery-powered.
. If you are decorating your house and/or yard, make sure walkways are clear and
you've taken proper precautions to safeguard all electrical props and wires from
fire.
. Ensure all pets are properly restrained before trick-or-treaters arrive.
. If you involve your child with the carving, find a suitable activity for the child
that doesn't involve cutting or carving with a knife.
. Review proper safety measures with your child, such as not talking to strangers
and looking both ways before crossing the street.

While being prepared is always a safe approach to take for any situation, many of
the dangers of Halloween come out when the children hit the streets to
trick-or-treat. However, there are steps you can take to keep your children-and
yourself-safe during the adventure.

. Send your child out to trick-or-treat while it is still daylight, or as close to
dusk as possible.
. Plan a safe route and know where the hazards may be before you leave the house.
Make sure your child is mature enough and responsible enough before going it alone.
. Use reflective tape and/or a light colored costume to ensure your child is easily
visible.
. If your child is going out without parental supervision, establish a "be home by"
time.
. Make sure children know to stay in populated, well-lit areas. Children should stop
at familiar houses in their own neighborhood. They should travel in groups.
. Provide your child a flashlight, or carry one with you.
. Children should not eat any candy until they get home and a parent has had the
chance to inspect the candy.

"Because of the dangers of this holiday, many people are having Halloween parties
for children in the place of traditional trick-or-treating," says Maass. "This is a
great idea as it provides children a safe, fun place to celebrate while still
dressing up, carving pumpkins, and getting candy."

About Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services
Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services is committed to providing products that best
meet the insurance needs of Virginia's families and small businesses. An
organization with more than 148,000 members, served by more than 100 county offices
throughout the Commonwealth, Farm Bureau Insurance also offers a wide range of
financial planning products and services. Visit Virginia Farm Bureau at
www.vfbinsurance.com.


Web Site: http://www.vfbinsurance.com

Contact Details: Jimmy Maass
804/290-1379
jimmy.maass@vafb.com