Simple Tips for a Safe Halloween

 
by Danielle Schultz

Ah, Halloween, one of the most beloved holidays by children and adults alike.Planning ahead and taking a few safety precautions can make this fun holiday a safe one too.

Before the big night: Talk about Halloween safety with your children. Talk about appropriate behavior and what is inappropriate. Gather flashlights with fresh batteries for every child and adult who plans to trick or treat. Review the "Stop-Drop-Roll" technique with your children in case their clothes catch on fire. Prepare your property for visitors in the yard. Look for items that might trip or otherwise harm visitors. Refresh your CPR skills (or take a class if you've never taken it) so that you will be ready in case of emergency. Check the status of your first aid kit, especially noting your stock of burn creme, anti-itch ointment, bandages and antibiotic ointment. Check the date on your Syrup of Ipecac in case of ingestion of poison. Plan a filling dinner for your family. Children will be less likely to begin munching on the way home with a full belly. When decorating, be sure to use common sense. Do not overload electrical outlets. Keep Jack O' Lanterns away from flammable materials, curtains, drapes and decorations. Place Jack O' Lanterns out of the main path. Consider using liquid chemical light strips for eerie and fire-free Jack O' Lanterns. Make certain that family pets are well secured, wearing collars and identification tags.

Costumes
Children's Halloween costumes should be: bright, reflective, and short enough that chances of tripping or contact with flame are reduced. Costumes that are baggy and oversized or high-heeled shoes can cause injury by falls or accidental contact with fire. Costumes, wigs and other accessories should only be purchased if flame-resistant. Hats and non-toxic makeup are a better choice than masks which reduce visibility, block eyesight and can hinder breathing. Treat bags and costumes can be trimmed with reflective tape to increase visibility. Write your child's name, address and phone number somewhere in the costume, and show this to your child in case of accidental separation. Be certain that props simulating weapons (guns, knives, swords) are soft, flexible and do not look real. Wands also should be flexible and soft.

Trick-or-Treating
All young children should be escorted by a parent or responsible adult. If you live in an area prone to mosquitoes or other bothersome critters, remember to spray everyone well with bug repellant. Remind the children that they should walk, stay on sidewalks when possible, and obey all traffic signals. If there is no sidewalk be sure to walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic. Wagons pulled by an adult make an excellent transport for easily tired youngsters. Bicycles are NOT a good idea for trick-or-treating. Your child's or another child's costume could get caught in the spokes and cause serious injury. Create your trick-or-treat journey in familiar neighborhoods. Use sidewalks or other designated pathways up to homes. Dangers such as holes in the grass or sharp objects could be masked by the darkness. Trick-or-treat only at homes with porch lights or other Halloween lights on. NEVER enter the home of a stranger. Accept treats only in the doorway or outside. Do not allow children to eat any treats until checked by an adult. Be very careful around lit Jack O' Lanterns. Remember your manners and say "Thank you!"

Older children should plan their route ahead of time and describe it in detail to their parents. Un-escorted older children should travel in groups of at least three children and carry change for emergency phone calls and be reminded that 911 is free from pay phones.

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