|
Safety Tips
For Adults
 Parents should make sure that all costumes, masks, beards or wigs are made of flame retardant material. If you decide to make a costume, avoid the use of flimsy materials such as lightweight cotton fabrics. (Cotton sheets and pillow cases are easily ignited).
Never allow children to go out alone after dark (start trick-or-treating early and return early).
Autumn leaves, corn stalks and berry branches, when used for decorative purposes, can be very dangerous fire hazards and should be kept away from heat sources, smokers, light bulbs and other possible sources of ignition.
Be aware of which neighborhoods older children are canvassing, and give them a specific time to be home.
Children should be given coins to use a public telephone to call for help, if necessary. Give them your home phone number, as well as that of a neighbor and the Marlboro Police Division (732-536-0100).
If you are driving on Halloween, take special care to watch out for trick-or-treaters who will be too busy to watch out for you.
|
Costume Safety Tips
Costumes should be light in color to ensure that your child is clearly visible to motorists. Costumes can be decorated with fluorescent or reflective tape which will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Reflective tape is available at hardware, bicycle, sporting goods, and some variety stores.
Avoid costumes with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Excess material from these costumes could accidentally come into contact with candles or other sources of ignifion.
A natural "mask" of cosmetics rather than a loose fitting mask will ensure clear vision for children. If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
Check to be sure that swords, knives and similar costume accessories are made of soft or flexible material.
Fire Tips
Be sure to keep "trick-or-treaters" away from fireplaces, stoves, cigarettes, cigarette lighters, matches and candles. Also, caution children to keep away from these and any other ignition sources, such as bonfires or burning leaves outdoors.
Pumpkins or other decorations should never be ligted with candles, whether they are to be carried by children to see in the dark or as a decoration.
Fireworks cause many accidents during the Halloween season. They are dangerous and should never be carried by children. Besides the serious physical and fire hazards involved, fireworks are illegal in New Jersey.
|
Trick-or-Treating
Safety Tips
Smaller children, whenever possible, should be accompanied by an adult. If an adult is unavailable, an older, responsible child should accompany the small child.
Children should canvass one side of the street at a time, rather than criss-cross. They should use the sidewalk, rather than walk in the street, and they should walk, not run, from house to house. Children should also be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture or clotheslines may present dangers.
Children should only "trick-or-treat" at homes where residents have outside lights on, as a sign of welcome. They should never enter a home or apartment unless accompanied by an adult.
Warn children not to eat any of their treats before they get home. Examine all treats to ensure that none of the treats were tampered with.
Teach your children to stop, drop and roll if their costume is on fire. Once the fire is extinguished seek medical attention.
|
