Having a Safe Halloween

Part 1 of a two-part series.
Continue to Part 2.

Is it really October already? Before we know it, Daylight Savings Time will be ending and our bodies will need to begin adjusting to this change. Our days will seem shorter, the nights will seem longer; yet somehow we still will not feel like we had a full night's rest. As tired as we are, we will soon need to start finding Halloween costumes for our children and buying goodies for the trick-or-treaters in an effort to get ready for Halloween. To ensure that the month of October is safe and prosperous, please follow these safety tips for parents and children:

Trick-or-Treaters:

• Make sure to carry a flashlight with you.
• If there is no sidewalk, you should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Walk, don't run, stay on sidewalks, and obey traffic signs and signals.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods.
• Don't cut across yards or driveways.
• Wear a watch that you are able to read in the dark.
• Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground and avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.
• Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.
• Approach only houses that are lit.

Parents:

• Have your child eat dinner before setting out.
An adult should accompany young children of any age.
• If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.
• Children should know where to reach you, when to be home, and you should know where they're going.
• Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.
• Make sure your yard is clear of objects that someone can trip over, such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes, and flowerpots.
• Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them somewhere secure so they will not be near any vehicles and also to prevent them from biting a trick-or-treater.
• Try handing out non-food treats: plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, coins, etc.

Fire Prevention Tips

You can improve fire safety in your home. A good start would be to do a fire safety inspection. Check your house or apartment thoroughly to see which of these fire hazards you can find. Then take action to correct them.

• Remove piles of stored newspapers or other rubbish.
Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.
• Remove all materials on or near your stove that could catch on fire, including paper, dishcloths, etc.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Remove aerosols and flammable liquids (cleaning fluids, contact adhesives, etc.) that are stored near the range or other heating sources that has an open flame.
• Remember, even a pilot light can set vapors on fire. Dispose of outdated or empty cans and containers properly.
• Place a box of baking soda and a large pot lid next to your stove. Get a kitchen fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
• Check for overloaded electrical outlets and old frayed extension cords.
• Remove electrical cords from underneath rugs, those nailed to walls and/or behind radiators. Replace any cord that's damaged.
• Have a family escape plan and, equally important, practice it.
• If a fire starts while you are in the home, feel the door before opening it; if warm, it may be necessary to seek an alternate escape route.
• When escaping, crawl under the smoke.
• Do not go back in a structure fire for any reason.
• Check your smoke detectors often and change the batteries twice a year.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL.
• Post emergency telephone numbers to your local Police and Fire Departments in an easily accessible location.

It is important that you be prepared to react as soon as the smoke alarm sounds. Fire can grow and spread through your home very quickly. By completing a home inspection and following some of the important tips mentioned above, it can make a difference between life and death.

Part 1 of a two-part series. Continue to Part 2.

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