Tips For A Safe Halloween

Alexander Vincent's Jack O' Lantern. Photo by Tom Moore.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) warns “Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year.” If you are driving on Sunday, make sure to go slow and watch out for Trick or Treaters.

If you are welcoming Trick or Treaters to your home:

Keep your porch lights on and eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Remove outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles and lawn ornaments. Make sure the driveway and steps are cleared of leaves, which can be a slipping and falling hazard. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for incoming trick-or-treaters. Replace burned-out or broken light bulbs. Pets get frightened on Halloween. Confine your pets for their safety and for that of trick or treaters.

For Parents:

As a parent, what can you do to keep your kids safe? First of all, review street-crossing rules before venturing out on Halloween. Make sure they know to:

• stop at all street corners
• cross only at intersections and crosswalks
• look left, right, and left before crossing the street
• continue looking both ways when they cross
• stay on the sidewalk
• don’t run in the street.

Stay with your children while Trick or Treating or make sure they are with a responsible adult. Only go to houses with lights on and never go into a house. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, make sure they are with a group because there is safety in numbers. Know the route they will take and tell them to avoid short cuts through backyards and alleys. Have them check in regularly.

Use reflective tape or decals on costumes. Don’t leave home without flashlights or glow sticks. Besides being safe, lights are fun!

Make sure the kids know to wait until they come home before eating anything. The treats should be inspected by an adult. Never let a child eat an unwrapped or partially wrapped treat.

Here are some additional fire safety tips from MCFRS:

Illuminate your jack-o’-lanterns with flashlights or battery-operated candles instead of real ones. You won’t have the worries of an open flame coming in contact with anything . . .or anyone.

If you do use candles, keep them well away from where trick or treaters will be walking or standing.

Review with your children the principle of “stop, drop and roll” should their clothes catch fire.

When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant. Shorter IS safer. Ensure costumes are not so long that children could trip and shoes should fit - - - even if they don’t go with the costume.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

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