Halloween Safety Tips

The Cleveland County Emergency Management /Fire Marshal’s Office provides some tips for a safe and happy Halloween:

Costumes:

	Children should carry a flashlight or chemical lightstick and their costumes should be bright-colored or have reflective tape to highlight them.
	Be sure all parts of the costume are labeled flame retardant.
	Costumes should not have trailing material or tails long enough to cause falls.
	Pointed objects such as swords and devils' forks should be made of soft material.
	Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
	If your child wears a mask instead of make-up on their face, double check that the eye holes are large enough to see through clearly.
	Children should wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing underneath their costumes.

Preparations and Decorations

	Use a small flashlight instead of a candle.
	Only use flame-proof crepe paper.
	Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from all flames and heat sources.
	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.
	Confine pets in areas where it will be safe for both pets and "Trick or Treaters".
	Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
	Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
	Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver.

Receiving Trick-or-Treaters

	Make sure your own home is well-lit and that there is a clear path to your door. Bicycles and lawn furniture can trip youngsters in the dark.
	Clear leaves from sidewalks as wet leaves create a slipping hazard.

Trick or Treating

	Smaller children should always be with an adult. It's best to take little ones out early.
	Children should carry a flashlight so they can see and be seen.
	If older children are going out without you, go over the ground rules first!
	Know what neighborhoods they will be in.
	Don't allow them in areas with which you are not completely comfortable.
	Have children stay in a group.
	Let them know what time to be home.
	Give them change to use the telephone if necessary and make sure they know how to call home.
	Review with your children the principal of "Stop, Drop, and Roll" in case their clothing catches on fire.
	Never accept or consume food items or drinks.
	Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Instruct Children to:

	Use sidewalks. Always walk, never run.
	Cross only at the corners, never dart out between parked cars.
	Cover one side of the street at a time, no criss-crossing.
	Never accept a ride in a car.
	Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
	Only approach houses where the outside lights are on as a signal of welcome.
	Bring bags home to be checked by an adult before eating a single treat.

Checking Treats

	Throw out anything that appears tampered with, home-made foods, or home-packaged foods unless you are certain of the source.
	Inspect fruit closely and take away treats that may not be age-appropriate.
	Make sure items that can cause choking are given only to those of an appropriate age. Young children may choke on things like hard candy or peanuts.

Fireworks

Firecrackers, cherry bombs, and party poppers cause many injuries and fires on Halloween. These are dangerous and should not be used by children, teens or adults. Besides the physical danger and the fire hazards involved, and some fireworks are illegal in Cleveland County.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery

Each year around Halloween, we turn the clocks back one hour. This is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. This year, buy batteries along with your Halloween candy .

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