Tips from BSO for a safe Halloween

Keep your Halloween celebrations hauntingly happy with these safety tips from the Broward Sheriff's Office:

FOR DRIVERS:

• Stay alert and don’t exceed the posted speed limit. Be especially cautious in residential neighborhoods.
• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars or hurricane debris piled in swales and at the road's edge. Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Remember that children may be dressed in dark clothing; driving slowly and staying alert reduces the risk of an accident.

FOR PARENTS:

• Ensure an adult accompanies children as they trick-or-treat.
• Avoid areas where electricity has not been restored. Select neighborhoods where power is evident and streetlights are on.
• Plan and discuss the route children will take, and their return time, and make sure they stick to it.
• Make younger children stay in familiar areas.
• Have children carry flashlights or glo-sticks for easier visibility.
• Ensure children stop only at houses that are well-lit, and teach them NEVER to enter the home of a stranger.
• Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten. Don't let children eat anything that is unwrapped or seems unusual. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Before eating any fruit, wash it and slice it into small pieces.
• Pin a slip of paper to the costumes of younger children listing the child’s name, address and telephone number in the event the child is separated from the group with which they are traveling.
• Turn on your home's exterior lights and remove any objects from your walkway that may be a hazard to trick-or-treaters. Place jack-o-lanterns out-of-reach so children won't burn themselves or their costumes. Tell your neighbors to do the same.
• If possible, send children trick-or-treating before dark.
• Be aware of any suspicious activity. Report any concerns to BSO or your local police agency.

COSTUME TIPS:

• Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes. Use light-colored materials and strips of reflective tape to make children visible.
• Avoid long costumes that may cause the child to trip (falls are the leading cause of injuries on Halloween).
• Use facial makeup instead of masks that can hinder a child’s vision.
• Avoid using simulated knives, guns, or swords. If these props are used, ensure they are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

FOR KIDS:

• Walk, don’t run from house to house. Use streets, sidewalks and driveways to enter and leave houses.
• Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
• Cross the streets at crosswalks or at corners, never in the middle of the street.
• Only accept candy that is wrapped or packaged.
• Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat your treats.
• Never enter the home of a stranger. If a stranger insists you come inside, leave immediately and tell a parent, a police officer or other trusted adult.
• Be smart. Don't play pranks that can hurt other people or property. If you see someone doing something they shouldn't, tell an adult immediately.

Q: Which costume is dangerous?

A: They all are!

1. The pirate is carrying a sharp object that could cause injury to himself or others. He also has one eye covered that reduces his ability to see clearly.

2. The vampire is wearing a long cape that could lead to a fall…and a serious injury. Falls are the leading cause of injuries during trick-or treating.

3. The ghost can’t see well because his head is covered, and the eyeholes in the costume restrict his ability to see left and right.

BSO wants you have a happy Halloween…remember our safety tips!