Halloween Safety Tips from The Bigoski Agency

It is that time of year again.  Scarecrows begin invading front porches, jack ‘o lanterns start popping up in every window and the preferred method of transportation is a hayride.  Autumn has arrived and Halloween is here.  Here are some tips for a healthy, safe Halloween:

 Trick-or-Treaters

• Carry a flashlight.
• Stay on sidewalks, do not run and always obey traffic signals.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods and only approach homes that are well lit.
• Wear reflective clothing.
• Do not wear masks while walking house-to-house.
• Make sure your costume does not drag and only carry flexible props (e.g. swords, wands, etc…)
• Steer clear of unfamiliar animals/pets.

 Parents

• An adult should accompany young children.
• Purchase only flame-retardant costumes.
• A safe alternative to pumpkin carving is pumpkin painting.
• If your children trick-or-treat on their own, be sure that:

1. They wear a watch.
2. They carry quarters or a cell phone to call home.
3. They know where to reach you if you’re not home.
4. They travel in a group.
5. You explain the difference between a “trick” and vandalism.

 Homeowners

• Use small flashlights in jack ‘o lanterns rather than candles.
• Offer a well lit, clear path to your door.
• Keep animals inside and away from trick-or-treaters.

 Drivers

• Slow down.  Children will be running everywhere.
• Partygoers should always elect a designated driver.

 Treats

• Tell children to bring candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.
• Look at the wrapping carefully and pitch anything that looks suspicious.
• If you discover a treat that has been tampered with, contact the proper authorities.