Ghouls, goblins, girls and boys all love Halloween. Here are some safety tips, as suggested by fire departments and other professionals, that are useful reminders for children and adults alike.

Costumes and masks
Most commercially sold costumes are made of flame retardant materials and the packaging will be labeled accordingly. Make sure the outfit fits the child appropriately, so she will not stumble or trip over a dress or pants that drags along the ground. The outfit should be visible in the dark; it may be of light colors or you can add “glow-in-the-dark” or reflective tape so that other trick-or-treaters and drivers will see your child at night.

Instead of a mask, consider using make-up and face paint as a disguise. This will permit the child to watch and listen for passing cars. If a mask is used, the openings for the eyes should grant full vision and the spaces for the nose and mouth should be large enough to breathe comfortably.

Decorations
Jack-o-lanterns are the symbol of the season; they can be made safer by using battery operated candles, instead of wax candles whose flames cannot be controlled. Some types of battery-operated candles even flicker to simulate the flame’s movement.

Before mounting any Halloween lights and decorations on your house or lawn, check to make sure the wires are clear of knots and are not frayed. All light sockets should be intact; remove any broken or cracked sockets. Use extension cords carefully, from a fire safety standpoint and in consideration of the guests. Visitors who cross the lawn and clamber up and down the steps may not follow the expected pathways.

A seasonal display of dried cornstalks and flowers, to which are added crepe paper strips, adds color, and is also extremely flammable. Make sure no flames or electric cords are near these decorations, for safety’s sake.

Drivers
Sunset for Sunday, October 31 is about 6:00 pm, which means that there will be a lot of activity throughout the Halloween day and evening. Drivers should be especially careful of pedestrians crossing mid-block on residential streets.

By making sure trick-or-treaters wear flame retardant and reflective outfits, and use face paint and not masks for their disguises, and by decorating with appropriate electrical candles and lights that are not placed near dried flowers, families can help ensure everyone has a fun and safe time on Halloween.

For additional informative safety suggestions, you may click on these links:

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/fire/pdfs/Fire%20Prevention%20Bureau/Halloween.pdf

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/halloween.shtml

http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Public%20Education/HalloweenSafetyTips.pdf

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/halloweensafety.asp