Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is one of the most fun holidays of the year for many people. It’s a time for festive fall décor, a chance for children and adults alike to transform themselves into something or someone else, and then there’s the mounds of candy to enjoy.

Of course, all good times must be accompanied with some safety measures, and Halloween is no exception. The fun that comes with costumes, decorations, and trick-or-treating also requires specific safety precautions. Whether you’re dressing up, taking your children trick-or-treating, or just putting up some seasonal décor, here are some safety tips to help ensure that your Halloween is full of only treats, and no tricks!

Costumes

• Avoid costumes with long trailing fabric and make sure wigs or any extra pieces are tightly secured.
• If wearing a face mask, ensure that the eye holes are large enough to not interfere with or obstruct your vision.
• Choose face paint instead of masks when possible. Be sure to first test a small area on your skin to check for irritation before applying.
• Add glowsticks or reflective stickers to costumes to help make sure you’re visible when trick-or-treating in the dark.

Trick-or-Treating

• Carry a flashlight since most trick-or-treating is done at dark.
• Children should trick-or-treat in groups with an adult present. If older children are going on their own, decide on a planned route and check in times in advance.
• If you’re leaving your home empty to attend a party or go trick-or-treating, be sure to leave some interior and exterior lights on. Be sure to extinguish any heat sources such as candles or lanterns that could cause a fire.
• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes with as few street crossings as possible.
• Always inspect your candy before consumption. Make sure wrappers are still sealed and check for tampering or spoilage – toss out anything questionable.

Decorations

• Keep candles at least a foot away from anything that is flammable.
• Place jack-o’-lanterns out of the way of trick or treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards. When possible, choose flameless or battery-operated candles.
• Keep exits clear of decorations so that there are no objects blocking escape routes.
• Double check that all smoke alarms are working.
• Cornstalks catch fire easily. Remember to keep open flames and other heat sources like bulbs and heaters away from them.