Say “Boo!” to Halloween Hazards

Planning ahead can make this Halloween safer for your little mosters. Check out these safety tips so your night is a treat, not a trick!

When you buy or make costumes, masks, beards, and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label “Flame Resistant.”
Purchase or make costumes that are light-colored, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape on the front, back and sides that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights.
Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.
If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters who are younger than three years of age.

Remove obstacles from lawns, steps, and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
Keep candles and jack-o’-lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other items that could ignite. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
Indoors or outside, use only decorative light strands that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
Don’t overload extension cords.

Follow these tips and have a happy and safe Halloween!