Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween can be an enjoyable holiday and an entertaining experience for children of every age. It can also be a time of crime victimization or injury if appropriate safety measures are not followed. The following safety tips and recommendations are designed to allow trick-or-treaters to enjoy a safe and rewarding experience.
* Before Halloween
* Before Nightfall on Halloween
* Before Trick-or-Treating
* After Trick-or-Treating
Before Halloween
* 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 flame.
* Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
* Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
* Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
* When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
* Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
* Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in place of candles in decorations
* This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.
* Teach children their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
* Review with your children the principle of “Stop-Drop-Roll,” should their clothes catch on fire.
* Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking.
* Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flowerpots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
* Replace burned out light bulbs outside the home to make sure your residence is well lit.
Before Nightfall on Halloween
* A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.
* Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
* While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O’ Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
* Always keep Jack O’ Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
* Plan and review with your children the route and behavior that is acceptable to you.
* Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
* Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home. Older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
* Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
* Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
Before Trick-or-Treating
* A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
Remind Trick-or-Treaters To
* Use a flashlight so they can see and be seen by others.
* Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
* Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
* Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
* If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
* Never cut across yards or use alleys.
* Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
* Always walk. Never run across a street.
* Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
* Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble-seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
* Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
* No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
After Trick-or-Treating
* Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
* Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.
Following these safety tips can make your trick-or-treating experience safer and more relaxed. Please, have a safe and happy holiday
