Tips to Keep Kids Safe on Halloween

Below is a list of Halloween safety tips from the New Hampshire Fire Marshal:

Costumes 

• Children should carry a flashlight. 
• Costumes should be bright or have reflective tape to highlight them.        
• Before purchasing, be sure all parts of the costume are labeled flame‐retardant or flame‐resistant. 
• 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. 
• Check that eye holes on masks are large enough to see through clearly. 
• Children should wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing underneath their costumes. 

• Throw out anything that appears tampered with.  
• Throw out home-made or home-packaged food unless you know the source.  
• Inspect fruit closely.  
• Take away treats that may not be age appropriate. Young children may choke on hard candy.

• Small children should always be with an adult.
• Consider taking little ones out early.
• Know the neighborhoods and stay in areas where you are completely comfortable.
• If older children are going out without you,  go over the ground rules first! 

• Make sure your own home is well-lit and that there is a clear path to your door.
• Bicycle and lawn furniture can trip youngsters in the dark.

• Stay in groups.
• Use sidewalks and cross only at the corners.
• Never dart out between parked cars.
• Cover one side of the street at a time, no criss-crossing.
• Never go inside a stranger’s home.
• Never accept a ride in a car.
• Only approach houses where the outside lights are on as a signal of welcome.
• Bring their bags home to be checked by an adult before eating a single treat.
• Come home at a designated time.

• Use a small flashlight or battery operated candle in pumpkins instead of a flame candle.
• Use flame-proof crepe paper and  paper decorations.
• Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from all flames and heat sources.
• Keep exits clear of decorations, so escape routes are not blocked.