Good Samaritan host Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 22
KEARNEY—On average, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween than on any other day of the year according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
In an effort to provide a fun and safe holiday celebration, CHI Health Good Samaritan is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat for the community. Hospital staff will be handing out candy to children age 12 and under from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22 in the hospital’s north parking lot.
The event is free and open to the public. Costumes are encouraged. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
“Our emergency department encourages everyone to BE SAFE, BE SEEN this Halloween!” says Tracy Rademacher, Trauma Prevention Nurse at Good Samaritan and Coordinator for Safe Kids Platte Valley. “It is wonderful to watch children enjoy themselves in a well-lit, safe environment—offering all of the treats without any of the tricks.”
Rademacher recommends simple precautions to help prevent Halloween injuries.
Teach trick-or-treaters to:
-Cross at corners and crosswalks using traffic signals, look left-right-left, and make eye contact with drivers.
-Put cell phones away, keep heads up, and walk instead of running across streets.
-Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic on the far left, choosing direct routes with minimal crossings.
-Watch for turning or reversing cars, and never enter the street from between parked vehicles.
Parent and caregiver advice:
-Use light colors, reflective tape, or stickers on costumes and bags.
-Prefer face paint over vision-obstructing masks.
-Provide kids with flashlights or glow sticks.
-Ensure costumes fit properly to prevent tripping.
-Accompany children under 12; advise older kids to trick-or-treat in groups in familiar areas.
Driver Alert:
-Slow down and stay alert in residential zones for unpredictable pedestrians.
-Watch closely for children at intersections, medians, and curbs.
-Navigate driveways and alleys cautiously.
-Eliminate distractions, such as phones.
-Turn on headlights earlier to spot children sooner.