Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween can be a fun time for kids and adults, but it can also be one of the most dangerous nights of the year. Here are a few tips to follow to help ensure a safe and happy Halloween:
COSTUMES:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames.
- When shopping for costumes and accessories purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
- Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Use facial make-up instead.
- When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," and/or " Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics" and "Non-Toxic."
- If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
SAFETY PREPARATION:
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
- Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.
- Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.
- Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
- Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
- Establish a return time.
- Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home. (Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.)
- Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
- Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
- Remind Trick-or Treaters:
· Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
· Carry a mobile phone for quick communication.
· Only go to homes with a porch light on.
· Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
· If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
· Never cut across yards or use alleys.
· Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
· Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
KEEPING YOUR HOME SAFE :
- To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
- Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Wet leaves should be swept off of sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
