Halloween Safety

October 28, 2014

Uncategorized

The following guidelines may help insure a fun and accident free evening for your children:

Picking out costume-

Try to choose a costume that is light colored It will be more easily seen by drivers
If black is the only option (example- Batman costume), attach reflective tape to the front and back
Purchase a costume which is flame retardant If you are making a handmade out, use nylon or polyester materials which don’t burn easily

Dressing for that night-

Do not allow your children to wear a mask, hairpiece, beard, wig or headwear which might impede their vision or breathing
Don’t allow your children to wear glasses which come with some costumes, because they may affect vision
Make sure that the footwear and costume don’t interfere with each other That could cause a trip and fall
Attach a name tag to your children’s outfits which includes your home telephone number

Before hitting the street-

Where age appropriate, have your children carry a cell phone and make sure they know how to use it to call you and 911 if necessary
Give your children a flash light with fresh batteries, and encourage them to carry glow sticks or wear necklaces or bracelets of that type
If any of your children are under 12 years old, you should go with them

Going door to door-

Encourage your children to walk and stay in groups, preferably with an adult among them
Remind them to walk on lighted sidewalks and only approach homes with lights on
Also, remind them to use traffic controlled crossing areas
Have them avoid short cuts thru yards or back alleys
Have your children only canvas neighborhoods nearby and familiar to you
Tell them to stay away from carved pumpkins with flames
Have them give you an approximate route they will follow
Tell them not to enter anyone’s home or car
Set a clear timeframe as to when they will return home or where they are to be picked up by you
Insist that your children call you if they know they will miss their curfew

When returning home-

Check to make sure that the candy packaging is sealed and not tampered with Throw out any that is partial opened, zip locked or unsealed
Only allow your children to consume home baked treats from people you know well Throw out those which aren’t
Whether at a stranger’s home or your own, children, treats and pets may not be a good combination Keep them apart
Don’t allow your children to consume anything which might cause choking Stay away from gum balls or large hard candy
Don’t allow your children to over eat Ration where appropriate

Alternatives to trick or treating door to door may include