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Safety Tips for Halloween
from the Los Angeles Fire Department (at
http://www.lafd.org/hween.htm)
BEFORE HALLOWEEN:
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Plan costumes
that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that
costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with
flame.
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Consider adding
reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater
visibility.
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Secure
emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within
Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
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Because a mask
can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or
a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
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When shopping
for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label
indicating they are flame resistant.
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Think twice
before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used,
be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent
injury.
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Obtain
flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
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Plan ahead to
use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of
candles in decorations and costumes.
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This is also a
great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.
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Teach children
their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency
number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can
be dialed free from any phone.
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Review with
your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch
on fire.
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Openly discuss
appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.
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Consider
purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food
treats) for those who visit your home.
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Take extra
effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around
your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses
that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
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Learn or review
CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.
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Consider safe
party guidelines when hosting an Adult or Office Party.
FUN ALTERNATIVES:
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Find a special
event or start one in your own neighborhood.
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Community
Centers, Shopping Malls and Houses of Worship may have organized
festivities.
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Share the fun
by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior Center.
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Create an
alliance with College Fraternities, Sororities or Service Clubs for
children's face painting or a carnival.
BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON
HALLOWEEN:
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A good meal
prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from
filling up on Halloween treats.
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Consider fire
safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday
lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
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While children
can help with the fun of designing a Jack O' Lantern, leave the carving to
adults.
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Always keep
Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations,
flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or
walking.
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Plan and review
with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
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Do not permit
children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
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Agree on a
specific time when revelers must return home.
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Along with
flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and
carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
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Confine,
segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful
sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and
proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
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Remind all
household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the
community.
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Adult
partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.
WHEN
TRICK-OR-TREATING:
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A Parent or
responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their
neighborhood rounds.
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Remind
Trick-or-Treaters:
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By using a
flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
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Stay in a
group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
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Only
trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light
on.
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Remain on
well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
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If no sidewalk
is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
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Never cut
across yards or use alleys.
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Never enter a
stranger's home or car for a treat.
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Obey all
traffic and pedestrian regulations.
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Always walk.
Never run across a street.
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Only cross the
street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
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Remove any mask
or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or
alley.
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Don't assume
the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just
because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
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Never consume
unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
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No treats are
to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.
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Law Enforcement
authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful
activity.
AFTER
TRICK-OR-TREATING:
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Wait until
children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a
responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any
spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
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Try to
apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
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Although
sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard
candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.
We wish you a safe
and happy Halloween!
© LAFD - You are
licensed to reproduce or distribute this copyright protected information by
simply crediting the "Los Angeles Fire Department".
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