Halloween Safety Tips from the Wakefield Fire Department

Want to make sure you and your family gets more treats than tricks this Halloween? Fire Chief Michael Sullivan and the Wakefield Fire Department recommend that everyone follow these Halloween Safety guidelines, as outlined by the office of State Fire Marshall, Stephen D. Coan.

Trick-or-Treating:

— Smaller children should always be accompanied by an adult. It’s best to take the little ones out early. Older children, if going out without a parent, should know the ground rules first.

— Parents should always know exactly what neighborhoods children will be going to if they are trick-or-treating without supervision.

— Don’t allow children in areas that your not completely comfortable with.

— Children should always stay in a group, and avoid venturing off alone.

— Trick-or-treaters should always travel on sidewalks, if possible, and avoid walking in the street.

— Cross streets only at the corners. Never dart out from between parked cars.

— Visit houses on only one side of the street at a time. Avoid crisscrossing the street.

— Never, under any circumstances, enter the home of anyone who is not a friend.

— Never accept a ride in a car, except from a parent or friend.

— Only approach houses which are lit up in welcome. If a house looks dark, just avoid it.

— Never eat any candy until it has been properly inspected by an adult.

Costumes:

— Children should carry a flashlight 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.

— If a 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.

Fireworks:

— Firecrackers, cherry bombs, and party poppers cause many injuries and fires on Halloween.

— These are dangerous and should not be used by children, teens or adults. Besides the physical danger and the fire hazards involved, fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts.

Decorations:

— Use a small flashlight or battery-operated candle in pumpkins instead of an open-flame candle. Avoid using any candles, or any other sources of open flame.

— Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from all flames and heat sources.

— Only use flame-proof crepe paper.

Inspecting Candy:

— 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. Young children may choke on things like hard candy or peanuts.

Welcoming 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.

Don’t Forget to Change the Batteries!

— Each year around Halloween, we turn the clocks back one hour. This is a good time to also change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

— This year, buy batteries along with your Halloween candy and on Sunday, Nov. 6, remember to change the clocks and the batteries in your smoke detectors.