BEFORE HALLOWEEN:
Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.
Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are
short enough to prevent tripping or contact with flame.
Consider adding reflective tape or striping to
costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
Secure emergency identification (name, address,
phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
Because masks can limit or block eyesight,
consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories,
look for and purchase only those that have a label
indicating they are flame resistant.
Think twice before using simulated knives, guns
or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they
do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all
children and their escorts.
Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns
or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in
decorations and costumes.
Teach children to how call 9-1-1 if they have an
emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can
be dialed free at any payphone.
Review with your children the principle of
"Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire.
Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate
behavior at Halloween time.
Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy
food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those
who visit your home.
Take efforts to eliminate tripping or other
hazards on your porch and around your property.
Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone that is
choking or having a heart attack.
Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an
Adult or Office Party.
FUN ALTERNATIVES:
Ask around your community and check your local
newspaper for information on special events.
Churches, Community Centers and Shopping Malls
often have organized festivities.
Share the fun by arranging a visit to a
Retirement Home or Senior Center.
Create an alliance with College Fraternities,
Sororities or Service Clubs for children's face
painting or a carnival.
BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN:
A good meal prior to parties and
trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from
filling up on Halloween treats.
Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not
overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.
Always keep Jack O' Lanterns away from drapes,
decorations, flammable materials or areas where
children will be standing or walking.
Plan and review with your children the route and
behavior which is acceptable to you.
Along with flashlights for all, older children
and escorts should carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household
pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be
sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and
proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
Remind all household drivers to remain cautious
and drive slowly throughout the community.
Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver.
WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:
A Parent or responsible Adult should always
accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
Remind Trick-or Treaters:
By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
Only go to homes with porch lights on.
Remain on well-lit streets and always use sidewalks.
If no sidewalk is available, walk at the
farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
Never cut across yards or use alleys.
Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
Always walk. Never run across a street.
Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks
Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.
No treats are to be eaten until they are
thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
Law Enforcement authorities should be
notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:
Wait until children are home to sort and check
treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult
should closely examine all treats and throw away any
spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items
that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are
given only to those of an appropriate age.
Return To Home