Halloween Safety Tips!

Halloween is right around the corner. Kids are excited to dress up and show their costume at school or community event. But as a parent or guardian, it’s important to keep in mind several safety concerns.

Carve Safely

· Small children should never carve pumpkins.

· Decorate with markers, glitter glue or paint.

· Light pumpkins with flashlights, battery-operated flame-less candles or glow sticks.

Costumes

· All costumes, wigs, and accessories should be fire-resistant.

· Make sure the costume fits to avoid tripping.

· Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision.

· Add reflector strips to your child's costume or trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

· Do not use decorative contact lenses. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

Walking Trail

· A responsible adult should always walk with children when trick-or-treating in neighborhoods.

· Use a flashlight and glow sticks.

· Only go to homes where the porch light is on.

· Walk on sidewalks whenever possible and cross the street on corners or where there is a crosswalk.

· Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

· Tell kids not to eat any candy while walking, wait until you are home so you can inspect the candy. Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

Driving Tips

· Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.

· Don't use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving on Halloween night.

· Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.

· Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.

· Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!