So my dedication to making sure I blogged ALL SUMMER just really didn't happen did it? Sorry about that folks. No excuses but this has been a crazy summer! Heat, drought, floods, and other weather just kept this girl going and going. So in an effort to reform my ways I'm kicking back into gear with a little about Halloween safety. This information is from UK Extension's friends at the University of Florida's Extension Service.
Halloween Safety
Have Fun, Be Careful
Halloween is almost here! Children dress up in costumes and ask their neighbors for candy, while parents take pictures of their little ones and prepare to greet trick-or-treaters. Keep this festive holiday safe and fun with our Halloween safety tips.
Costumes
Choosing Safer Materials
Fabric can easily catch fire if you brush too close to a candle-lit jack-o-lantern or luminary, so choose flame-resistant costume materials. Add pieces of reflective tape to make your costume more visible at night, especially if you are wearing dark colors.
Wear Clothing That Fits
Make sure that long, flowing costumes--such as robes, capes, or gowns--do not hang below your ankles. Your costume could trip you if it is too long, and it is more likely to fall into dirt or flames.
Wear shoes that fit properly. Uncomfortable shoes could trip you or give you blisters. Never go barefoot; you can easily cut yourself on sharp rocks or broken glass.
Masks & Makeup
If your costume requires a mask or other face covering, you should be able to see clearly and breathe easily at all times. Unless the mask is clipped to your hair or costume, take it off when walking between houses.
For increased visibility and safety, consider using face paint or makeup instead of a mask. Read the packaging before using any makeup, and follow the application instructions carefully. Be especially careful when applying makeup near your eyes.
Do not leave any makeup on overnight. Follow the removal instructions carefully and use the recommended products. Again, be careful when cleaning the area around your eyes.
Accessories
Instead of sharp and pointy real accessories, use soft, flexible, short imitations. Make sure that scarves, sashes, and hats are worn securely and do not block your vision.
Be more visible by carrying your candy in a white or brightly-colored bag. Alternatively, put reflective tape on your bag.
Decorating
Instead of candles, use small, battery-powered lights inside jack-o-lanterns and luminaries. This precaution reduces the chances of your decorations catching fire.
To create a spooky atmostphere, use colored lightbulbs or theatrical gels to change the color of your porch light. Do not use plastic wrap because it could melt or cause a fire. If you use cloth, do not drape it over the bulb, and make sure that it is not touching the bulb at all.
If you do put candles in pumpkins or paper bags, set them back from the walkway so that long costumes will not fall into the flames. Do not light candles in cluttered areas, on unsteady furniture, or near curtains and drapes. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Trick-or-treating
Trick-or-treating alone is not fun or safe. Always go with a group of friends or an adult you trust. Plan your route ahead of time so that your parents know where you are and when you'll be back. Bring a cell phone, a set of walkie-talkies, or change for a payphone in case you get lost or separated from your group.
Never go into a house or apartment unless your parents are with you. Avoid darkened houses; only visit those with a front porch light turned on. Do not walk near luminaries or candle-lit jack-o-lanterns. Stay on sidewalks and driveways to avoid damaging plants or tripping over obstacles in the lawn.
Carry a flashlight so you can see where you're walking and so others can see you. Walk on the sidewalk wherever possible. If there is no sidewalk, keep away from the edge of the road and walk facing the traffic. Cross busy streets at the crosswalk.
Walk from house to house. If you run, you could trip on your costume and hurt yourself. Do not ride a bicycle to do your trick-or-treating; your costume could get caught in the wheels, gears, or pedals.
Candy & Other Treats
Tips for Kids
As tempting as your Halloween loot might be, do not eat any of it until your parents have had a chance to check it for you. Avoid the urge to snack while trick-or-treating by eating dinner before you go.
Don't eat all your candy at once--too many sweets will give you a stomachache. After Halloween, eat a few pieces of candy at a time instead of dessert, or freeze the candy to eat later.
Tips for Parents
Before your children eat any of their candy, check that all packaging is completely sealed. Check wrappers carefully for signs of tampering such as discolorations, pinholes, and small tears. Any opened packages and homemade food or candy should be thrown away.
If you're answering the door and giving out treats, offer non-candy substitutes such as prepackaged fruit snacks or sealed boxes of raisins. Treats don't have to be edible--items such as pencils, stickers, or small toys add variety to a trick-or-treater's haul.
