Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween can be exciting and fun. The NTSI recommends the following tips to keep your family safe.

Trick-or-Treaters:

• Carry a flashlight
• Walk, don’t run
• Stay on the sidewalks
• Obey all traffic signals
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods
• Do not cut across yards or driveways
• Go only to those houses that have a porch light on
• Do not pet animals

Parents:

• Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground and are reflective
• Make sure shoes fit properly. Do not wear flip flops or sandals
• Avoid having your children wear masks that impair their vision
• All props, such as knives and swords, should be flexible and blunt
• Young children should be accompanied by an adult or older sibling
• Older children should have change available to call home if necessary
• Costumes should be of flame-retardant material
• All candy should be inspected before it is consumed

Homeowners:

• Make sure your yard is clear of all obstacles, such as ladders, hoses, dog chains and flower pots
• Keep animals restrained
• Battery powered Jack-o’lanterns are preferable to those with real flame
• Healthy food alternatives are preferable over candy. Distribute items like mini boxes of raisins, packaged fruit rolls, or pre-packaged crackers. Non-food treats like pencils, stickers, erasers, and coins are another fun alternative to candy

Resource: www.sosnet.com/safety/halloween