Some Halloween Safety Tips |
By Assistant Fire Chief William Lawman Jr. | |
October 31, 2011 | |
Please be careful this Halloween Season. We have included some Halloween Tips for your Safety. ALL DRESSED UP: *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. *Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. *Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. *When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. *If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. *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. CARVING A NICHE: *Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. *Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins. *Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended. HOME SAFE HOME: *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 from sidewalks and steps. *Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL: *A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. *If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. *Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. *Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters: *Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. *Carry a cell phone for quick communication. *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. *Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways. *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! *Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. HEALTHY HALLOWEEN: *A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. *Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils. *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. *Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween. |
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