Below are some practical safety tips (found on Halloween Web) to keep you and your little ghouls safe during the excitement and anticipation of trick or treating:
Halloween Costume Safety
• Wear flame retardant costumes.
• Make sure your Halloween costume is colour-fast so the colour doesn't run onto your other clothes if it rains.
• Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering.
• Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.
• Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.
• Avoid cumbersome masks. Use make-up instead.
• Use only hypoallergenic and non-toxic makeup.
• Wear comfortable, practical shoes.
• Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.
• Keep your costume and wig away from candles.
• Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone
Trick-or-Treating Tips
• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Trick or treat in familiar neighbourhoods.
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
• Take along money for a phone call.
• Wear identification that's easy to read.
• Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
• Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
• Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
• Walk...Never run!
• Don't trample through flower beds and gardens.
• Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
• Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
• Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
• Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
• Carry a spare Halloween bag, in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
• Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
• Don't cut across yards and stay out of backyards.
• Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
• Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
• Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Respect other people and their property.
• Be polite and say "thank you."
• Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.
• Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
• Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
• Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.
Another great site to visit for general fire safety tips is the National Fire Protection Association
Have a fun and safe Halloween!
Sincerely,
Jason Neumann