GDABVI Announcement

For Immediate Release - October 16, 2007

Keeping Halloween scary... but safe

Whether you’re headed out as a ghost or a goblin, Batman or Britney Spears, you’ll want to make sure that this year’s Halloween celebration is a safe one.

Over time, we’ve come to understand that children should be supervised, candy should be inspected and we shouldn’t get behind the wheel if we’ve had too much to drink. Along with these basic guidelines, the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired would like to remind you to take a few precautions that relate directly to your eye health and safety.

1. Don’t wear costumes and accessories that can block your sight. These can include certain types of masks, wigs, hats and eye patches that can impede the vision of a young trick-or-treater or even an adult driving to costume party.
   
   
2. When out trick-or-treating, wear bright, reflective clothing, or at least decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape/patches.
   
   
3. Avoid props that have sharp edges or pointed ends such as swords, knives, pitchforks and wands.
   
   
4. If you’re going to be passing out candy, keep your porch and walkway well lit and clear from any tripping hazards. Toddlers, teens and adults of all sizes may be coming to your house… and they all have different sight lines.
   
   
5. False eye lashes and costume makeup can irritate eyes. Costume makeup should be hypoallergenic and/or non-toxic, and should also only be applied by an adult. It should be removed with eye makeup remover or cold cream, not soap.
   
   
6. It’s illegal to purchase contact lenses without a prescription, even those that are cosmetic or non-correcting. If you absolutely need eyes that look like a cat, snake or zombie, go to a licensed eye care professional. Improper use and cleaning of lenses can lead to eye infections or vision loss.
   

The Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired (GDABVI) provides quality, innovative services that increase self-reliance, productivity and dignity for persons who are blind or visually impaired. A 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, GDABVI is a United Way partner agency accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped.