Chief Paul Januszewski and the North Haven Fire Department would like to share guidance and safety tips as Halloween approaches to help residents and trick-or-treaters celebrate safely this season.
The following safety tips are courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association and National Safety Council:
Costume Safety
Picking a great costume is an exciting part of Halloween preparation, and the North Haven Fire Department encourages parents/guardians to consider these tips while choosing a costume:
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
- When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out.
- Any props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision
or movement. - Wear sturdy shoes and temperature-appropriate clothing under costumes.
- If children will be allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them a flashlight or glow sticks to ensure they are visible to drivers.
- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it on a small area of skin first.
- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Decoration Safety
- Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
- Use battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times with candles lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
- Remembers to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escapes routes.
- Make sure all smoke alarms in the house are working.
- If your children are going to Halloween parties at others’ homes, have them look for ways out of the home and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on neighborhood rounds.
- If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that you feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow.
- Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
- Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
The North Haven Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
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