Halloween Safety

COSTUMES

• Costumes should be fire-safe. Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories made of flame-resistant or flame-retardant material. (Check the label!!)
• Avoid flimsy materials such as light weight cotton fabrics which can easily ignite. If clothes catch on fire remember to Stop, Drop and Roll to put the fire out.
• Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping and avoid loose baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.  (Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.)
• Costumes should be light colored - use fluorescent or reflective tape strips which will "glow" in the beam of a car's headlights.

ACCESSORIES 

• All accessories, such as knives or swords, should be made of a soft flexible material. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
• Bags or sacks should be light colored or trimmed with reflective tape.
• Carry a flashlight or glow sticks.

FACE DESIGN

• Masks can obstruct a child's vision. A natural mask of cosmetics made of non-toxic make-up applied to directly to the face is recommended.
• When buying Halloween makeup, check packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Laboratory Tested," or "Non-Toxic," and meet federal standards for cosmetics. Follow manufacturer's instruction for application.
• If masks are worn, they should be loose fitting and have the eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

TRICK OR TREATING

• Have children travel together in small groups and smaller children should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Instruct children to stay away from open flames.
• Go to well-lit homes that have outside lights on and remain on the porch rather than entering the house.
• Cross streets at the corner, using crosswalks and do not cross between parked cars.
• Remind children to look left, right and then left again before crossing the street.
• Walk, do not run from house to house and always use sidewalks.
• Avoid giving out choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.
• Use battery powered lights - NEVER CANDLES - to light jack-o-lanterns.
• Children should be warned not to eat any of their treats before they get home.
• Inspect all candy for safety --- When in doubt, THROW IT OUT!!