Motorists
· Be alert and drive slowly through the neighborhoods
· Watch for children darting out into the road from between parked cars
· Watch for children walking in the median, on the roadway and on the curbs
· Enter and exit driveways and alley ways carefully
· Watch for children in dark clothing, especially at twilight
Costumes
· Only costumes (including accessories, i.e. wigs, hats, etc.) made of fire-retardant material should be worn
· Ensure shoes fit properly and costume is not too long, tripping hazards are the number one cause of accidentals falls on Halloween
· Ensure costumes can be seen in the dark, add reflective tape if necessary. A reflective trick-or-treat bag helps children to be seen.
· Ensure accessories are soft and flexible, no sharp objects
· If a mask is worn, ensure it fits; ill-fitting masks put the child in danger of not seeing where they are going or that a vehicle may be coming when they cross the road
· Use face paint as an alternative to masks. Ensure your child is not allergic to the make-up; test a small area before painting the entire face
· When purchasing Halloween make-up, check the packaging to see if the ingredients are “Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives,” “Laboratory Tested,” and “Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics'” or “Non-Toxic.”
Parents
· Accompany smaller children on their trick-or-treating adventure
· Only allow them to approach houses with their outside light on. No outside light, no trick-or-treating.
· You should be able to see your child all the way to the door and back to you
· Never allow children to enter a car or home for a treat
· Children old enough to go out alone? Ensure you know the path they are taking and give them a time to report back home
· Ensure children do not eat any candy until they return home so you can inspect it
Home owners
· Keep the path to your door clear of tripping hazards, i.e. garden hoses, bicycles, decorations, toys, extension cords, etc.
· Restrain pets so they do not jump at or bite trick-or-treaters
· If pumpkins are lit with candles, keep them away from the walking path of the children
· Leave the outside light on if you are passing out candy, if you are not, turn off your outside light
Pumpkin carving
· Small children should never carve a pumpkin, let parents do the cutting
· Let small children draw a face on the pumpkins or paint them
· Consider using a flashlight or glow stick inside of the pumpkin instead of a candle. If you use a candle, ensure it is not near any flowing fabric (curtains, etc.). Set the pumpkin on a sturdy table and do not leave it unattended.
Have a wonderful, SAFE Halloween. For more safety information, contact Occupational Safety at 661-277-4640.
