Halloween Safety
Halloween Safety
Parents and children participating in Halloween activities see it as a time for fun and treats. However, the excitement of the night can cause everyone to forget to be careful. There is no "trick" to making Halloween a fun and safe day for the entire family. Many Halloween related injuries can be prevented if parents and caregivers closely supervise children during trick or treat activities.
COSTUMES
Costumes should be fire-safe. Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories made of flame-resistant or flame-retardant material. (Check the label!!) Avoid flimsy materials such as light weight cotton fabrics which can easily ignite. If clothes catch on fire remember to Stop, Drop and Roll to put the fire out. Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping and avoid loose baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. (Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.) Costumes should be light colored - use fluorescent or reflective tape strips which will "glow" in the beam of a car's headlights.ACCESSORIES
All accessories, such as knives or swords, should be made of a soft flexible material. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects. Bags or sacks should be light colored or trimmed with reflective tape. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks.FACE DESIGN
Masks can obstruct a child's vision. A natural mask of cosmetics made of non-toxic make-up applied to directly to the face is recommended. When buying Halloween makeup, check packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Laboratory Tested," or "Non-Toxic," and meet federal standards for cosmetics. Follow manufacturer's instruction for application. If masks are worn, they should be loose fitting and have the eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.TRICK OR TREATING
Have children travel together in small groups and smaller children should always be accompanied by an adult. Instruct children to stay away from open flames. Go to well-lit homes that have outside lights on and remain on the porch rather than entering the house. Cross streets at the corner, using crosswalks and do not cross between parked cars. Remind children to look left, right and then left again before crossing the street. Walk, do not run from house to house and always use sidewalks. Avoid giving out choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys. Use battery powered lights - NEVER CANDLES - to light jack-o-lanterns. Children should be warned not to eat any of their treats before they get home. Inspect all candy for safety --- When in doubt, THROW IT OUT!!