Holmes Pawling Neighborhood Watch

Halloween safety tips

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety tips:
• Choose costumes that are bright and reflective and short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and treat bags to make children more visible.
• Remember, masks can hinder or block eyesight. Non-toxic makeup and decorative hats are safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over children’s eyes.
• Buy only costumes, wigs and accessories with a label clearly indicating they are flame-resistant.
• If a sword, cane or stick is part of a child’s costume, make sure it’s not sharp or too long.
• Provide children and escorts with flashlights with fresh batteries.
• Teach children how to call 911 or their local emergency number.
• Have a parent or responsible adult accompany young children when they’re trick-or-treating.
• If older children are trick-or-treating alone, review their route and agree on a specific time when they will return home.
• Trick or treat only at homes with a porch light on. Never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If there’s no sidewalk, walk at the far edge of the road facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys. Only cross streets at recognized crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars. Never assume the right of way — it can be difficult for motorists to see trick-or-treaters.
• When your children return home, sort and check their treats. Throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Allow children to draw faces on pumpkins, but parents should do the carving.
• Never leave candle-lit pumpkins unattended. Place them on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects. Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
• Homeowners, remove tripping hazards from the front yard and porch, such as toys, bikes, lawn decorations and garden hoses. Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps, make sure outdoor lights are working, and keep pets under control.

 Go to www.drugfree.org for great resources  to help parents with teens keep their teens drug free.
 

October 7, 2010
Let Us Reintroduce Ourselves
A lot can happen in 24 years. 
Since our founding in 1986, you likely have seen some of our public education campaigns over the airwaves.  As we’ve embraced the power of the web to communicate and connect with parents, you may have posted to our online communities or found answers or tools to help you start a conversation with your teens about drugs and alcohol or you’ve gotten advice on what to do when you thought your child may be trying. 
In talking and listening to you, whether at drugfree.org, at one of our community education events, via our grassroots partners and parent advisors or in our national research, we’ve created resources that meet the needs you’ve voiced – especially the need for a trustworthy, non-judgmental place for answers and support. 
Whether you are focused on preventing use, stepping in if your child is experimenting or using, finding treatment if your child needs help or supporting both you and your child in recovery, we are here.
Today, we announce our new name – The Partnership at Drugfree.org – as well as our new and expanded resources at drugfree.org, a completely redesigned, user-friendly gateway to all of our programs and resources. There, you will find an ‘online public square’ where you can be more empowered, informed and supported, as well as science-based resources to help you and your families.  We encourage you to take a look and share what you find with others.  

Meet Our Celebrity Champion and Mom,           Melissa Gilbert
We are thrilled to announce that actor, author and mom Melissa Gilbert has joined our cause to reach and help parents. We are grateful to Melissa for sharing her story and her concern for other parents and families who may be dealing with drug or alcohol problems. 
“I believe that the most compelling reality is that all parents will move heaven and earth to protect their children’s health because they love their kids,” Melissa says. “Both as a mother and as a person who is living a life in recovery, I know firsthand what a struggle it is for both a teen or young adult in trouble and their parent who feels helpless and utterly alone. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is here for all parents, myself included, at whatever their stage of need – from prevention to recovery – and most importantly reinforces that we are not alone.”

Michael Valkys • Poughkeepsie Journal • July 21, 2010