Web posted on October 28, 2009

Halloween Safety at Home

(County of Wellington, ON.) -With the onset of Halloween, kids are scurrying around trying to get their costume ready and home owners are trying to set the perfect atmosphere for this time of year. The County of Wellington OPP would like to remind you of some basic safety tips to help avoid the accidents or mishaps which increase dramatically when children trick-or-treat.

To help avoid the many dangers children face while trick or treating, use common sense. Be aware of potential Halloween hazards and take precautions to eliminate them.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

1. Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.

2. Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.

3. Avoid masks with reduced visibility. Use make-up instead.

4. Wear comfortable, practical shoes. Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.

5. Keep your costume and wig away from candles.

6. Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.

Trick-or-Treating Tips:

1. Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.

2. Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.

3. Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.

4. Plan your route ahead of time.

5. Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.

6. Walk. No running.

7. Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.

8. Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.

9. Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.

10. Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.

11. Don't cut across yards and stay out of back yards.

12. Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk. Always watch for cars backing up or turning.

13. Never accept rides from strangers.

14. Be polite and say "thank you."

15. Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering by an adult.

Candles are often used to illuminate Jack-O-Lanterns and many lights with special effects are turned on to give the house an eerie and fun look. Whenever possible, use batter-operated lights or chemical light sticks to light up carved pumpkins. If many lights are used to decorate the house, don't overload extension cords or let them run through water or snow in the ground.

Leave the Porch Light on for Trick-or-Treaters

Adequate light is essential for visitors and trick-or-treaters to see where they are going. Leave the porch light on and if needed, install additional lights in the front yard to avoid someone tripping over something they can't see.

Keep Walkways Clear on Halloween

Make sure walkways and the front yard are clean and clutter-free to prevent falls. Move bikes, garden hoses, potted plants and skateboards away from areas that are likely to be walked on by groups of people. Decorative items and Jack-O-Lanterns should also be positioned at a safe distance from crowds to prevent people from knocking and tripping over them.

Confine Pets Elsewhere

Although pets are a big part of many families, they need to be properly confined in a safe place on Halloween when there will be many visitors and trick-or-treaters coming and leaving. The new sights and sounds may excite, agitate or frighten some of them, or they may mistake guests for intruders and attack them the minute the door is open.

Offer Non-Candy Treats to Young Visitors

Food safety is another Halloween-related safety issue. Candy and sweets were usually given to kids as treats on Halloween. These treats may cause a reaction to some children with food allergies. And while most kids have been warned by their parents not to eat any treats without letting their parents examine them first, some may just give in to temptation and eat them.

To avoid adverse food reactions, consider offering non-candy treats to young visitors and trick-or-treaters. Stickers, pencils, small notebooks, crayons, a few coins, balloons and cheap small toys all make good candy substitutes.

Halloween is meant to be fun not just for the family but for visitors as well. Make your house safe for everyone on Halloween. Remember if you see any suspicious or criminal activity, report it to the police.
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