Follow these simple safety tips to help you take the “tricks” out of your Halloween!
Pumpkin-Carving Precautions
- Seems obvious but our 1st rule is don't let children use knives. They can help by assisting to affix the stencil or by drawing their own designs on the pumpkin with a black marker.
- Remove pumpkin insides safely. You can let your little ones help and get a little messy by scooping out pumpkin flesh with their hands, a wooden spatula or an ice cream scoop.
- Keep the carving area clean. Pumpkin is pretty slippery stuff, we suggest layering newspaper or an old tablecloth under your carving area and clean up anything that falls on the floor right away so no one slips or trips.
- Once you are ready to light your Jack-o-lantern- please skip the candles. A burning candle in a pumpkin can start a fire if left unattended. Instead, use a battery operated light, flame-less candle or a glow stick to safely illuminate your jack-o-lantern.
- Its a good idea to add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark tape to the front and back of the trick or treat bag and costume if possible. Light-colored costumes are easier to see at night.
- Also add your phone number and last name to the tag on your children's costume.
- Check the label of your costume to be sure it is "flame-retardant." If you choose to make your own costume, try to use nylon or polyester materials, which are flame-retardant.
- Make sure the costume fits well and isn't too tight or at risk of falling off or too tight. To prevent falls, avoid long pants or gowns and high-heeled shoes.
- Make sure and wigs, mustaches or beards don't cover little eyes, noses, or mouths. Masks can also make it hard to breathe, make certain to check fit and make sure child can breathe easily.
- First thing is first, start at home. Make sure visitors will be safe when trick-or-treating at your home. Remove any potential hazards that could cause one to trip or fall on your walkway or lawn. Make sure the path to your doorway is well lit. Also remember to keep family pets inside and away from the doorway and trick-or-treaters.
- Young children should be accompanied. Make sure all kids know their home phone number, address and how to call 911 in case they get lost. If possible have them carry a cellphone.
- If your child is older and permitted to trick-or-treat on their own, make sure you know who they will be with, what route they are taking and set a time for them to return home.
- Give kids flashlights with new batteries or have them wear glow sticks as bracelets or necklaces.
- Limit trick-or-treating to your neighborhood and the homes of people you know, never go into strangers homes or cars
- Cross the street at crosswalks and never assume that vehicles will stop, walk on sidewalks where possible
- When candy bags arrive home, check all treats to make sure they're sealed. Throw out candy with torn packages or holes in the packages, spoiled items, and any homemade treats that haven't been made by someone you know.
- Hard candy, small pieces and gum could cause choking. Make sure to take inventory of what is in your child's bag and remove anything that could be harmful.
