Tips for Halloween Safety Halloween, but undoubtedly an opportunity for entertainment, is also a time when accidents can happen. Even adults, let alone children, are excited, they tend to be less careful and allow mistakes to happen.
Simple ideas of common sense could prevent your child or even hurt you or be injured and to prevent a tragedy. Here is a list of Halloween safety tips recommended by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Before Halloween:
aec Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
aec Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
aec Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween costume or on a bracelet.
aec Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
aec When purchasing costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
aec Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If the accessories must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injuries.
aec Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
aec Plan ahead to use the battery as gas lamps or chemical light sticks instead of candles in decorations and costumes.
aec It is also the perfect time to buy fresh batteries for smoke alarms in your home.
aec Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or get lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
aec Discuss with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll" should their clothes catch on fire.
aec Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween.
aec Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.
aec Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on the veranda and the gateway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree branches, son of support or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
aec Learn or review CPR through a person who is choking or having a heart attack.
aec Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an Adult or Office Party.
FUN ALTERNATIVES:
aec Find a special event or start one in your neighborhood.
aec Community centers, shopping malls and places of worship may have organized festivities.
aec Share the pleasure of organizing a visit to a nursing home or Senior Center.
aec Create an alliance with the fraternities college, sororities and service clubs for make-up of children or a carnival.
Before Halloween night:
aec A good meal prior to parties and Trick-or-treating to discourage young people filling on Halloween treats.
aec Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
aec While children can help the pleasure of designing a Jack O Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
aec Always keep Jack O Lanterns, and hot electric lamps away from curtains, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
aec Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
aec Do not allow children to bike or roller skate.
aec Agree on a specific time.
Posted on January 26, 2010.
