Halloween Safety

PARENTS

  • Children under 12 should be with a responsible adult.
  • Discuss a route the children intend to follow.
  • Know the names of any other children in the group.
  • Instruct the children to only travel in familiar areas that are well lit.
  • Establish a return time.
  • Make sure the children do not eat any candy until they return home and a parent inspects it.
  • Consider a glow stick or glow bracelet on your child so you can pick them out in a crowd of kids.
  • Carry a flashlight when accompanying trick-or-treaters.

HOMEOWNERS

  • Make sure your yard is clear of any obstruction that could cause a child to fall or get injured.
  • Put away your pets so they don't bite a trick-or-treater.
  • Use battery powered jack o'lanterns instead of real flame candles.
  • If a candle is used place it in an area away from trick-or-treaters.

RULES FOR CHILDREN

  • Do not enter an apartment, house or car of a stranger for any reason.
  • Walk; do not run, from house to house.
  • Walk on sidewalks if available, not in the street.
  • If crossing yards or lawns be careful of unseen objects or uneven ground.
  • Do not eat any candy until your parents inspect it.

COSTUME DESIGN

  • Only fire-retardant material should be used for costumes.
  • Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
  • Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard (falls are a leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween).
  • Use reflective tape when available.
  • Masks can obstruct their vision. Use face makeup instead.  If a mask must be worn make sure it has large openings for the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Do not allow children to carry sharp objects, knives and swords should be made of plastic or cardboard.
  • Bags or sacks should be light in color and trimmed with reflective tape.

TREATS

  • Insist they don't eat anything until they get home and it is inspected.
  • Wash fruit and slice it into little pieces.
  • Parents should inspect the candy for signs of tampering such as open wrappers, holes, crushed or flattened items, etc.
  • WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT.

MOTORISTS

  • Drive well below the speed limit.
  • Watch for children in dark clothing.
  • Be very careful backing up, as the children may not be paying attention.
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