Halloween Safety Tips

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.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick or treat bags for greater visibility.
• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire.
• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
• Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
• This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home smoke alarm.
• 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 fire.
• Take extra time to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.

BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider 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 or pets will be standing or walking.
• Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
• Do not permit children to bicycle, roller blade or skateboard.
• Agree on specific time when revelers must return home.
• Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry a cell phone.
• 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.
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
• Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING

Parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

Remind Trick-or-Treaters:

– By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others

– Stay in a group and walk slowly

– Only go to homes that have a light on

– Remain on well lit streets and always use the sidewalk

– If no sidewalk is available, walk on the farthest edge of the road facing traffic

– Never cut across yards or alleys

– Never enter a strangers home or car for a treat

– Always walk. Never run across a street

– Only cross the street in groups in established crosswalks

– Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street or alley

– Don’t assume 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

– Police should be notified immediately of any suspicious activity

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.
• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.

Have a safe and happy Halloween.

And remember, we “Fall Back” this Sunday – change your clocks on Sunday Nov.3, 2013 from 2:00 AM to 1:00 AM!