SERVICES

Mdewakanton LIFE Program
Child Seat Safety Checks
Fire Safety Tips

 

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

#1 After the Fire is Out
#2 Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries
#3 Emergency Preparedness
#4 Grill Safety Tips
#5 Halloween Safety
#6 Handling Fireworks
#7 Heating Information
#8 Holiday Safety Tips
#9 Smoke Detector Information
#10 Smoking/ Matches / Lighter

 

 

TIP #5 - HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Costumes

• Children should carry a flashlight or chemical light stick and their costumes should be bright-colored or have reflective tape to highlight them.
• Be sure all parts of the 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 material.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
• 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.

Preparations and Decorations

• Use a small flashlight instead of a candle.
• Only use flame-proof crepe paper.
• Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from all flames and heat sources.
• Do NOT overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.
• Always keep Jack O' Lanterns away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children will be standing or walking.
• Confine pets in areas where it will be safe for both pets and "Trick or Treaters".
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
• Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
• Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver.

Receiving Trick-or-Treaters

• Make sure your own home is well-lit and that there is a clear path to your door. Bicycles and lawn furniture can trip youngsters in the dark.
• Clear leaves from sidewalks as wet leaves create a slipping hazard.

Trick or Treating

• Smaller children should always be with an adult. It's best to take little ones out early.
• Children should carry a flashlight so they can see and be seen.
• 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 children stay in a group.
• Let them know what time to be home.
• Give them change to use the telephone if necessary and make sure they know how to call home.
• Review with your children the principal of "Stop, Drop, and Roll" in case their clothing catches on fire.
• Never accept or consume food items or drinks.
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Instruct Children to

• Use sidewalks. Always walk, never run.
• Cross only at the corners, never dart out between parked cars.
• Cover one side of the street at a time, no crisscrossing.
• Never accept a ride in a car.
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• 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.

Checking Treats

• Throw out anything that appears tampered with, home-made foods, or home-packaged foods unless you are certain of the source.
• Inspect fruit closely and take away treats that may not be age-appropriate.
• Make sure items that can cause choking are given only to those of an appropriate age. Young children may choke on things like hard candy or peanuts.

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