Blood
Red Cross needs blood, offers tips to prevent a Halloween scare
Oct
PARKERSBURG — Trick or treat is this evening in the area and the American Red Cross offers tips for a safe Halloween while citing the need for blood during the holidays.
The agency urges blood donors to make and keep donation appointments to help hospitals restock blood products for patients ahead of the holiday season. Patients are counting on lifesaving care now and all season long. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O blood donors.
“The American Red Cross wants to ensure all have a frightfully fun time this Halloween,” Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, said.
“Patients in need are hoping for a special lifesaving treat this Halloween and throughout the holiday season,” she said. “The Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the weeks ahead. Donations made now will help stock hospital shelves with lifesaving blood products throughout the holiday season.
As a thanks and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the movie “Elf,” those who donate from Nov. 10-30 will receive a pair of Elf and Red Cross socks while supplies last. Go to RedCrossBlood.org/Elf for details.
The Red Cross offers these 10 tips to help keep the kids safe:
1. Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen. Use face makeup instead of masks which make seeing difficult. Wear light-colored clothing. Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
2. Use flame-resistant costumes.
3. Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
4. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
5. Walk, don’t run.
6. Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
7. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
≤ If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
≤ Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
≤ Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
≤ Drivers use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
8. A grown-up should check the goodies before eating. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
9. Those planning to welcome trick-or-treaters at home should light the area well so young visitors can see.
10. Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps, clear the porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.
