Important Halloween Safety Tips

To ensure a safe Halloween experience, the York County Department of Fire and Life Safety and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office recommend the following safety tips:

Use makeup instead of masks. Plastic or rubber masks can impair a child’s vision. If masks are worn, advise children to lift their masks while traveling from house to house and when crossing the street.

Make sure costumes and shoes fit properly to avoid tripping hazards.

Purchase Halloween costumes (including wigs, capes and props) that feature a “flame-resistant” or “flame-retardant” label.

Bright and/or light-colored costumes are easier to see at night.

Carry a flashlight or light-stick, and attach “glow-in-the-dark” items or reflective tape to the front and back of children’s costumes.

An adult should accompany younger children. Older children not accompanied by an adult should travel in groups of at least three.

Plan an itinerary and set a time for children to return home.

Avoid houses where porch lights are off.

Do not allow children to accept unwrapped candy or fruit, and check all treats before allowing children to eat them. Any suspicious candy should be reported to the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible.

Keep children away from candles and other flame sources, especially when in costume.
Advise children to stay away from jack-o-lanterns with candles and all open flames and heat sources.

Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch fire.
Keep your jack-o-lanterns away from landings or doorways where costumes could brush against the candle flame.

Consider using a glow stick or battery powered light instead of candles.

Dried flowers, cornstalks, hay, and crepe paper are highly flammable.

Keep these and all decorations away from all open flames and heat sources.

Keep all exits (doors and windows) clear of decorations to keep escape routes open.

If your child is attending a party or sleepover at someone else’s home, instruct them to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.

Thanks to York County Public Information Officer Kristie Powell for sharing this list with us! You can find this and more great information and safety tips at http://www.yorkcounty.gov/Default.aspx

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