MFD Halloween safety tips for parents, trick-or-treaters, motorists

'Tis the season for all the goblins and ghosts to hit the streets of Maricopa in search of treats Halloween night. The Maricopa Fire Department wants to help ensure that the night is fun and safe for everyone. 

 

Below are a few tips to help make sure that Halloween is a a fun night for all the family: 

 

PARENTAL TIPS

-An adult should always accompany children under 12 years of age. 

-Do not use open flame candles in jack-o-lanterns. Commercially available battery lights are much safer and do not pose a fire hazard. 

-Parents should never let their children carve a pumpkin unsupervised. 

-Do not hand out homemade or unwrapped candies to children. 

-Parents should plan a route for your child to use while trick-or-treating and set an early return time for your child. 

-To welcome trick-or-treaters, switch on your porch lights or any exterior lights. 

 

TRICK OR TREAT TIPS 

-Do not go inside anyone’s house. Remain on the stoop or porch at all times. 

-Do not go into a stranger’s automobile. 

-Do not take shortcuts through backyards, alleys, or parks. 

-Walk don’t run. 

-When crossing the street look both ways. Do not cross in between cars. 

-Always use the sidewalk. 

-Trick-or-treat on well-lit streets within your neighborhood. 

-Children should always travel in a group. 

-Use the buddy system, and make sure you have at least one buddy with you the entire evening. 

-When you return home, have an adult examine and discard all candies that are not factory sealed or wrapped by the candy manufacturer. Never eat homemade or unwrapped treats. 

-Never accept candy from strangers. 

-Children should carry spare change in case of an emergency and they need to call home. 

 

COSTUME TIPS 

-Only purchase and use flame retardant costumes. 

-Children should wear white, reflective clothing, or use reflective tape and carry either a flashlight or glow stick. 

-Costumes should fit properly avoid loose or baggy costumes. 

-Avoid any type of open flame while wearing costume. 

-Encourage children to wear face paint as oppose to a mask. Face paint should be non-toxic and meet FDA standards. 

-If mask is worn, make sure that the eye, mouth and nose openings are large enough to ensure adequate breathing and full range of vision. 

-Children should never carry sharp objects. Ensure that all props are made of material that is flexible and nonrealistic looking. 

-Materials made of 100% polyester or modacrylics are best for making homemade costumes. They are less flammable. 100% polyester and modacrylics may be purchased at most local fabric stores. 

-REMEMBER – A flame-retardant costume does not mean that it is fire proof. Always keep your costume away from any type of open flame or other heat sources. 

 

TIPS FOR MOTORISTS 

-Be aware of children darting out between parked automobiles. 

-Use caution while entering and exiting driveways. 

-During twilight and evening hours be mindful of children in dark costumes.