Halloween Safety Tips

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

Be safe this Halloween!!

Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for many Americans – children and adults alike! It’s a night full of candy, costumes, and fun. While it can be an exciting time for all, it is important to stay safe so that you don’t become another scary statistic. 

PUMPKIN CARVING

• Small children should never be allowed to carve pumpkins. Instead, they can use markers to draw faces or pictures on the pumpkin while the parents do the carving.
• Open flames left unattended can lead to disaster. Consider using a flashlight or glow sticks to light your jack-lanterns this year. If you do still choose to go the traditional candle route, a votive candle is safest.

COSTUMES

• When planning costumes, be sure to incorporate pieces into the costume that are bright and reflective. Whether you are out trick or treating with your kids or walking to a nearby party, it is important that you make it easy for drivers to see you – especially if you’ll be walking on a street that doesn’t have great lighting.
• Consider using non-toxic makeup as an alternative to a mask this year as masks can limit or block your eyesight.
• Choose wigs and accessories that are clearly labeled as flame resistant. Many people choose to light candles as Halloween decorations, and if you happen to lean in the wrong place, it could mean trouble!

TRICK-OR-TREAT

• About twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year. Make sure that younger kids are accompanied by a responsible adult when trick-or-treating. If they’re going with a larger group, there should be more than one adult so that every child can be always accounted for. If your older children are going on their own, review/plan their route ahead of time and agree upon a curfew for them to be home.
• Bring flashlights with fresh batteries with you on your route so that you can see where you’re going, and so that others may see you as well.
• Only trick-or-treat at homes with porch lights on. And never go into someone’s home or car for treats.
• Always walk on the sidewalk when available. If you are on a street with no sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street as close to the curb as possible while facing traffic.
• If you will be driving when other are out trick-or-treating, make sure to drive safely. Slow down and stay alert, especially if you are driving in a residential area.
• Staying in to hand out candy? Be sure to keep your front path/porch/etc. clear of any trip hazards and make sure your house is well lit in the area where trick-or-treaters will be walking.
• If your pets get anxious with so many visitors, try keeping them restrained in a back room with music or a television on so that they are unaware of the trick-or-treaters. You may also be able to drop them off at a “day care” for pets. Many places stay open late on Halloween for pets with anxiety.