Article Display

Halloween safety tips

  • Published
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  There are many ways to keep children safe at Halloween, when they are more prone to accidents and injuries. The excitement of children and adults at this time of year sometimes makes them forget to be careful. Simple common sense can do a lot to stop any tragedies from happening. 

-- Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame resistant or flame retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features. If you're making one make it fire proof and make the eye holes large enough for good peripheral vision. 

-- Be sure children are wearing sturdy foot wear. It may be cold and wet outside; sturdy foot wear can help prevent slips and falls. 

-- Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc. 

-- Use extreme caution when decorating with candles, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from all combustible items. Preferably use small, inexpensive flashlights. 

-- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes. 

-- Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting. 

-- Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover face with your, and roll over and over to extinguish flames.) 

-- Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency. 

-- Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume. 

-- At least one adult in each group should wear a high visibility vest for safety (or as a minimum a reflective belt). 

-- Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet. 

-- Parents please wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies) are given only to those of an appropriate age. (Information courtesy of 20th Security Forces Squadron and 20th Fighter Wing Ground Safety)