Halloween Safety
Halloween is a fun time for kids, but it is also an important time to be extra vigilant for possible safety hazards so that
your children have a fun and safe Holiday. Some tips to make Halloween safe include:
Costume safety
Choose a costume made of flame retardant material. Costumes should be short enough so that they don't cause your child
to trip and fall. For good visibility, add some reflective tape to the costume or bag he/she is using to carry candy or
make/choose a costume made of bright material that is visible in the dark. Masks should fit securely and allow your child
to see well and not hinder visibility. If using face paint, make sure it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Knives, swords and
other props should be made of a flexible material, so that they don't pose a hazard if fallen upon.
Trick-or-Treating safety
Children should be well supervised by an adult when trick-or-treating. Older children should trick-or-treat in large groups,
in well known neighborhoods. Carry a flashlight. Never enter anyone's house. Walk, don't run. Stick to well lit houses in
familiar neighborhoods only. Follow traffic signals and rules of the road. Drive slowly. Avoid taking shortcuts across
backyards or alleys. Stick to the sidewalks of well lit streets.
Candy safety
Instruct your children to bring all candy home before eating it so that you can carefully inspect it for tampering. Children
shouldn't snack while they're out trick-or-treating, before parents have a chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent
children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go -- don't send them out on an empty stomach. Tell
children not to accept -- and especially not to eat, anything that isn't commercially wrapped. Throw out candy or treats
that are homemade, unwrapped or if they appear to have been tampered with (pinholes in wrappers, torn wrappers, etc.).
Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys. Wash all
fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect it for holes, including small punctures, and cut it open before allowing children to eat it.
General safety tips
Homeowners should prepare their home for trick-or-treaters by removing obstacles from the front yard, restraining dogs
and other animals, and lighting the house well. Provide treats that are individually wrapped candy or offer kids nonfood
treats, such as stickers and erasers. Artificial lights and candles are a safer alternative to real candles with a flame that can
pose a fire hazard. If going to an adult Halloween party, make sure that you don't drink and drive. Use a designated driver
if alcohol is being consumed.
If you have any questions, contact Deputy Amir Stephen at (720) 874-3752, e-mail astephen@co.arapahoe.co.us, or
contact Deputy Brian McKnight at (720) 874-3750, e-mail bmcknight@co.arapahoe.co.us.
To report a crime, call the
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office at
(303)-795-4711 or 911 for emergencies.
One copy by: www.csoc.org Ron Schaffer
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