Stay Safe on Halloween

Halloween is a fun and festive time of the year. The Northshore Fire Department wants it to be a safe one as well, and offers the following safety tips.

COSTUMES:

Costumes should be bright, reflective, and short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Make sure that shoes fit well.  Consider non-toxic makeup as safer alternative to masks since masks can limit or block eyesight. Decorative hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.  Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL

• Children should trick or treat in their own neighborhood on well lit streets and be accompanied by their parents or other responsible adults.
• For older children going alone, plan and review the route, and agree on a specific time for returning home.
• Supply flashlights for all children and their escorts.
• Only visit homes that have the porch light or Halloween lights on. Don’t accept treats from people in vehicles, or get into anyone’s car.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Remain on well-lit streets. Always walk on the sidewalk and cross streets at cross-intersections. Never cross between parked cars. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!

HOME SAFE HOME:

Make sure the porch and other outdoor lights work and replace burned-out bulbs.Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treaters.  

Inspect all treats for any kind of tampering before eating, and do not eat treats that have open wrappers. Call the police and report any suspicious treats.