Stay safe on Halloween

Comments

October 27, 2009

From Submitted Reports

� Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

� Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider nontoxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.

� When shopping for costumes, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

� Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

� Teach children how to call 911 if they have an emergency or become lost.

� A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

� If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

� Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

� Carry a cell phone for quick communication.

� Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

� If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.

� Never cut across yards or use alleys.

� Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.

Stay healthy

� A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

� Consider purchasing nonfood treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.

� Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

-- Bolingbrook Police Department

Reduce fire risk

� Check costumes to be sure they are flame retardant.

� Make sure your children know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches on fire. They should never run. They need to stop, lie flat on the ground, cover their face with their hands and roll over and over until the flames go out.

� When decorating, keep in mind that dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Place these items away from heat sources (including light bulbs and heaters) and don't block your exits with them.

� Use flashlights or battery operated candles rather than traditional candles when decorating jack-o-lanterns, walkways and yards to prevent children's costumes from coming in contact with an open flame from a candle. If you do use candles for your decorations, never leave them unattended and place them away from doorsteps, walkways and yards.

� If your children will be going to Halloween parties or haunted houses advise them to check for exits and think about how they would get out in an emergency when they get there.

-- Plainfield Fire Protection District