Halloween Safety
Parental Tips
- An adult should always accompany children under 12 years of age.
- Do not use open flame candles in jack-o-lanterns. Commercially available battery lights are much safer and do not pose a fire hazard.
- Parents should never let their children carve a pumpkin unsupervised.
- Do not hand out homemade or unwrapped candies to children.
- Parents should plan a route for your child to use while trick-or-treating and set an early return time for your child.
- To welcome trick-or-treaters, switch on your porch
lights or any exterior lights.
Trick or Treating Tips
- Do not go inside anyone’s house. Remain on the stoop or porch at all times.
- Do not go into a stranger’s automobile.
- Do not take shortcuts through backyards, alleys, or parks.
- Walk don’t run.
- When crossing the street look both ways. Do not cross in between cars.
- Always use the sidewalk.
- Trick-or-treat on well-lit streets within your neighborhood.
- Children should always travel in a group.
- Use the buddy system, and make sure you have at least one buddy with you the entire evening.
- When you return home, have an adult examine and discard all candies that are not factory sealed or wrapped by the candy manufacturer. Never eat homemade or unwrapped treats.
- Never accept candy from strangers.
- Children should carry spare change in case of an
emergency and they need to call home.
Costume Safety
- Only purchase and use flame retardant costumes.
- Children should wear white, reflective clothing, or use reflective tape and carry either a flashlight or glow stick.
- Costumes should fit properly avoid loose or baggy costumes.
- Avoid any type of open flame while wearing costume.
- Encourage children to wear face paint as oppose to a mask. Face paint should be non-toxic and meet FDA standards.
- If mask is worn, make sure that the eye, mouth and nose openings are large enough to ensure adequate breathing and full range of vision.
- Children should never carry sharp objects. Ensure that all props are made of material that is flexible and nonrealistic looking.
- Materials made of 100% polyester or modacrylics are best for making homemade costumes. They are less flammable. 100% polyester and modacrylics may be purchased at most local fabric stores.
- REMEMBER – A flame-retardant costume does not mean that it is fire proof. Always keep your costume away from any type of open flame or other heat sources.
Safety Tips For Motorists
- Be aware of children darting out between parked automobiles.
- Use caution while entering and exiting driveways.
- During twilight and evening hours be mindful of children in dark costumes.
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