HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Parent Tips 

• Decorations are the first thing to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year. Two of five of these fires were started by a candle. Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards.
• Do not use open flame candles in jack-o-lanterns. Commercially available battery lights are much safer and do not pose a fire hazard.
• Tell your children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.
• An adult should always accompany children under 12 years of age.
• Parents should never let their children carve a pumpkin unsupervised.
• Do not hand out homemade or unwrapped candies to children.
• Urge your children to wait until they get home and you have had a chance to inspect the contents before eating any treats. Don’t send them out on an empty stomach.
• 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.
• It’s never a bad idea to create a safe word, in case you get separated from your kids.

Trick or Treat 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.
• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• 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.
• Children should carry and know how to use a cell phone in case of an emergency.

Costume Tips

• 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.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• 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 vision.
• Children should never carry sharp objects. Ensure that all props are made of material that is flexible and non realistic looking.
• Materials made of 100% polyester or mod acrylics are best for making homemade costumes. They are less flammable.
• 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.

Tips for Motorists 

• Be aware of children darting out between parked automobiles.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Use caution while entering and exiting driveways.
• During twilight and evening hours be mindful of children in dark costumes.
• Never use your cell phone while driving.
• Discourage teens from driving on Halloween. There are too many hazards and distractions for inexperienced drivers.

Sources: National Fire Protection Agency (www.nfpa.org) and Safe Kids Worldwide (www.safekids.org)