Halloween Safety Tips

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

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.

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.

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.

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)