PINEVILLE — Middlesboro Daily News’ own Howard Baker spoke to an energetic group of students at Pineville Elementary School on Tuesday afternoon about the importance of Halloween safety.

Baker, a RN BSN at the University of Tennessee (UT) Medical Facility in Knoxville and a health columnist for the Middlesboro Daily News, spoke to kindergarten and first grade students about a variety of common Halloween distractions, and the correct ways to avoid such danger.

“Safety is the most important part of Halloween,” said Baker.

Baker first explained to the students that some motorists have a difficult time seeing children dressed in darker colors — which often leads to accidents. He told them to wear bright colors, or reflective tape, in order to be more visible in the darkness. He also recommended that children carry flashlights and/or glow sticks with them at all times.

“The problem is that people can’t see you,” said Baker. “And people your age are hurt more every year on Halloween than any other day of the year.”

Baker then explained to the circle of students to avoid trick-or-treating alone. He said that children should always walk in groups, or be accompanied by a trusted adult, in order to evade danger, and to make certain that no child gets left behind.

He also suggested that children eat before trick-or-treating. He explained that adults need to examine all food first, in order to ensure that it is safe to eat. He said to avoid eating homemade treats — unless the giver is no stranger — and to never enter someone’s home.

Baker then spoke about the importance of traffic safety. He said to always be alert, look both ways before crossing a street, and remain as far from traffic as possible.

Lastly, Baker presented the children with bottles of hand sanitizer and his/her own personal list of Halloween safety tips to use during the holiday festivities. The hand sanitizer was provided by the UT Medical Center.

Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.