Staying Safe on Halloween

 

Staying Safe on Halloween

This Thursday is Halloween. If you have kids going out trick or treating, we have some tips for you. If you’re passing out candy, we have tips for you. And if you’re not passing out candy, make sure your outside lights are off.
We posted about this last year, and we’ll repeat some of the tips along with new resources for you to look at.

Keeping Trick or Treaters Safe

The CDC website has a marvelous mnemonic for Safe Halloween.

• S – Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
• A – Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• F – Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• E – Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
• H – Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
• A – Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• L – Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• L – Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• O – Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• W – Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• E – Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• E – Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
• N – Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Making Your Home Safe For Trick Or Treaters

Be Smart About Decorations Placement – Do not overload electrical outlets when plugging in your scary indoor décor, especially the older decorations.
Keep Your Path Clear Of Leaves – Sweep your walkway right at dusk to ensure that no one slips on leaves.
Use Fake Candles – Don’t use real candles as the flames could be a hazard.

Be Safe On The Roads

If you’re driving, look three or four times before proceeding.  If you’re walking around with the kids, wear a reflector vest and make sure everyone has a flashlight. If anyone complains, let them know they can turn it off when they get to the house. But keep them on when you’re walking so the cars can see you.
Do you still dress up for Halloween?