With Halloween quickly approaching, the Montgomery
County Fire and Rescue Service offers some important tips for a safe Halloween.
“Recent research shows that children are
four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of
the year, said Fire Chief Richard Bowers. “It’s a dangerous night because so many kids
are on the streets, many without their parents or an adult, and in their
excitement often forget important pedestrian safety rules.”
Plan a safe route.
1. Accompany children and remind them to stop at all
street corners, cross only at intersections and crosswalks. Teach them to look
left, right and left before crossing the street and to continue looking both
ways as they cross. If you’re a motorist, please slow down and be prepared to
give trick or treaters a brake.
2. Stay in familiar neighborhoods and have a parent
or responsible adult accompany trick or treaters. Visit only those houses where
the lights are on. Accept treats only in the doorway and NEVER go inside a
house or apartment.
3. Secure emergency identification (name, address,
phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
4. Safety in numbers. If they’re old enough to
trick-or-treat without an adult, designate a route before the kids go trick or
treating, tell your kids to stay in a group, avoid taking short cuts through
backyards and alleys and ask them to check in regularly.
5. Ensure trick-or-treaters stay away from open
flames or jack-o-lanterns with candles burning.
6. Children should avoid busy streets, always use
sidewalks, and follow all traffic rules and regulations. Motorists should drive
slowly and be alert to small children crossing streets. Many accidents occur
when motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence
of small children.
Be a good neighbor.
1. Keep your porch lights on and eliminate tripping
hazards on your porch and walkway. Remove
outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles, garden hoses and lawn ornaments.
Make sure the driveway and steps are cleared of leaves, which can be a slipping
and falling hazard. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for
incoming trick-or-treaters. Replace burned-out or broken light bulbs.
2. Pets get frightened on Halloween. Confine your
pets for their safety and for that of trick or treaters.
Be Safe – Be Seen.
1. Don’t
assume the right-of-way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters in
the dark. Just because one car stops
doesn’t mean others will.
2. Encourage kids to follow all the rules for
pedestrian safety. That includes obeying all traffic laws, looking both ways
before crossing, using crosswalks, crossing at intersections and corners and
never darting between parked cars.
All Dressed Up.
1. Plan costumes that are bright and have reflective
qualities. Consider adding reflective tape or decals to costumes and trick or
treat bags. Be sure kids carry a flashlight and use glow sticks for extra
visibility.
2. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories
purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
3. Have an adult inspect treats BEFORE eating
anything. Do not eat any unwrapped, partially wrapped, or homemade-looking
treats.
4. Shorter IS safer. Make sure that shoes fit well
and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact
with flame.
5. Because masks can limit or block eyesight,
consider non-toxic makeup as a safer alternative.
6. If a sword, cane or stick is part of your child’s
costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by
these accessories if they trip or fall.
Decorate Safely.
1. Illuminate your jack-o’-lanterns with flashlights
or battery-operated candles instead of real ones. You won’t have the worries of
an open flame coming in contact with anything . . .or anyone.
2. If you do use candles, keep them well away from
where trick or treaters will be walking or standing. Review with your children
the principle of “stop, drop and roll” should their clothing catch fire.
Lastly, teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they
have an emergency or become lost.
