Tricks, treats and safety make Halloween a scream!
Tricks, treats and safety make Halloween a scream!
Date Published

Tricks, Treats and Safety Make Halloween a Scream!

Halloween Safety Tips

 

Halloween is fun. Carved pumpkins, candy corn and kids in costumes will take to the streets this week. Follow these simple safety tips to make sure your little princess or monster does not get spooked by holiday dangers:

  • Be sure all children under age 12 trick-or-treat with an adult.

  • Walking on dark streets can be dangerous. Give your child a flashlight or light stick to carry.

  • Never carry candles, torches or other open flames as part of a costume.

  • Only permit trick-or-treating at the homes of friends and neighbors you know well.

  • If you buy a costume, read the box or label. Look for the words “flame retardant” or “flame resistant”. These costumes are more fire-safe.

  • Make sure the costume is the right size so your child won't trip on it.

  • Make sure your child can see well. Only use masks with large holes for the eyes or use face paint instead of a mask.

  • Be sure that costume accessories, such as knives and swords, are made of soft material that bends easily.

  • Keep shoelaces tied. Be careful of pumpkins and things on porches that could trip you.

  • Make sure all children in the group carry an ID card with their name, address and emergency phone numbers (including area code), in case they get lost.

  • Remind children to walk, not run, especially after dark. If possible, stay on sidewalks.

 

Look before you eat:

  • Carefully look through your children's candy before you let them eat it.

  • Throw away open treats, those not in their original wrapping and homemade goodies from unknown sources.

  • Tell children to sit down when they eat and to take small bites.

  • If you think your child has eaten something that made him sick, call 911 or the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

 

When hosting trick-or-treaters at your home, keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Only burn candles when an adult is in the room and paying attention. Make sure children cannot touch them.

  • Blow the candles out when adults leave the room or go to sleep.

  • If you have children in your home, store candles and matches and lighters out of their reach in a locked cabinet.

  • Do not use candles to decorate porches to prevent costumes from catching fire. Light jack-o-lanterns with small flashlights instead of candles.

  • Make sure walkways and porches are well lighted to help prevent falls. Make sure your lawn is clear of things that could be tripped over, such as pumpkins, ladders, garden hoses, flowerpots, bikes and animal leashes.

  • Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects. Keep all exit doors clear.

  • Do not use dry ice as a special effect. It can be very dangerous if eaten.

  • Offer treats wrapped in their original packages.