Halloween Safety Guide

[bsapackman]

It’s the scariest night of the year! But with a little attention to
safety, you can keep it fun and not frightful. Here are a few tips for
you to follow and a quiz to review safety with your kids. Boo!



Don’t Frankenstein Your Lights
When purchasing electrical decorations, make sure to shop at a
reputable retailer and look for the UL Mark. Be sure to check the
rating on your extension cords and do not plug in more than the
recommended wattage. Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high
wattage decorations such as fog machines and electrically-powered
inflatable decorations.



Inspect Decorations with Fiendish Care
Inspect all of your electric lights and decorations for damage or
wear. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may
pose a fire or shock hazard. Replace damaged light strings with energy-
efficient LED lights. Look for a red UL Mark to indicate that lights
are certified for both indoor and outdoor use. A green UL mark
indicates certification for indoor use only.



Beware of Candles!
Candles, especially in a Jack O’Lantern, should be off the ground and
out of children’s reach. Try battery-operated LED candles for an even
safer option.



Don’t Trip Up Your Goblins
Halloween costumes should allow full movement for your kids. Costumes
that drag, constrict or drape pose a dangerous hazard, especially at
night. Check to ensure that costumes don’t restrict your children’s
vision, and instruct them to watch out for tripping hazards, such as
cords.



Say Boo! to Unsafe Costumes
Be sure to purchase or make costumes out of flame-resistant materials
such as nylon or polyester as these specially marked fabrics will
resist burning and extinguish quickly. Make sure your child knows to
stop, drop and roll in case their costume catches fire.



Be Safe and Bright
Choose costumes that are lighter in color and attach reflective
materials to costumes. Make sure each child has a flashlight to help
them see and be seen.



Keep Hungry Monsters from Feeding
Never let your kids eat Halloween candy before you inspect it in the
light at home. Even if you know your neighbors, you should always
check to be safe and throw away open candy or anything that looks at
all suspicious.




Talk to your Little Ghouls About Safety
Here’s a fun way to go over basic safety rules with your kids before
the evening arrives. Give them this Halloween family safety quiz, and
when they’re done, award them with a UL safety certificate that they
can post on the front door!