Tips for a safe Halloween!!!

This Halloween, stay safe from scary surprisesIt’s almost Halloween! It’s the time of year for hair-raising, bone-chilling and goose-bumping. But while most scares are harmless fun, others can have more frightening consequences. Here are some tips and tricks for a spooky, but safe, Halloween.

For parties

• If you’re using dry ice, make sure to keep it away from food — if ingested, it can cause severe injury.
   
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. It’s recommended that you keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
   
• If you’re often the party-thrower, consider an extra liability coverage that offers financial protection in case a big accident occurs.

Tips for drivers, parents and costumers

From the National Safety Council:

Drivers:

• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
   
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
   
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parents:

• Have an adult or responsible older child supervise trick-or-treating outings for kids under 12.
   
• Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
   
• Use a flashlight to help you see and others see you.
   
• Only walk on the sidewalk, if available, or far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
   
• Remind kids never to enter a stranger’s home.
   
• Tell children to refrain from eating any treats until they get home.

Costume design:

• Get costumes made of fire-retardant materials.
   
• Make sure they’re loose so warm layers can be worn underneath.
   
• If kids will be out after dark, use light-colored materials or retro-reflective tape to increase visibility.

Treats:

• Feed kids an early meal before trick-or-treating begins.
   
• Inspect all treats before any are eaten.
   
• If fruit is received, wash it and slice into small pieces.
   
• When in doubt, throw it out.

Have a safe & happy Halloween!!! WOOOO...