Halloween Safety Tips

The Massachusetts State Fire Marshal offers the following tips for a safe and happy Halloween:
Costumes
 Children should carry a flashlight and their costumes should be brightcolored
            or have reflective tape to highlight them.
 Be sure all parts of their costume are labeled flame retardant.
 Costumes should not have trailing material or tails long enough to
cause falls.
 Pointed objects such as swords and devils' forks should be made of soft
materials.
 If your child wears a mask instead of make-up on their face, double
check that the eye holes are large enough to see through clearly.
 Children should wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing
    underneath their costumes.
Decorations
 Use a small flashlight in pumpkins instead of a candle.
 Only use flame-proof crepe paper.
 Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from all flames and heat
sources.
Receiving Trick-or-Treaters
 Make sure your own home is well-lit ant that there is a clear path to
your door. Bicycles and lawn furniture can trip youngsters in the dark.
Checking Treats
 Throw out anything that appears tampered with, homemade foods or
home-packaged foods unless you are certain of the source.
 Inspect food closely and take away treats that may not be age appropriate.
Trick-or-Treating
 Smaller children should always be with an adult. It's best to take little
ones out early.
 If older children are going out without you, go over the ground rules
first! Know what neighborhoods they will be in.
 Don't allow them in areas with which you are not completely comfortable.
 Have the children stay in a group.
 Let them know what time to be home.
Instruct children to:
 Use sidewalks.
 Cover one side of the street at a time, no crisscrossing.
 Never go inside someone's home unless it is a friend's
 Never accept a ride in a car.
 Only approach houses where the outside lights are on as a signal of
welcome.
 Bring bags home to be checked by an adult before eating a single treat.