Fire Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips, Kids Costume Party

Halloween is a time for homemade costumes, sweet treats, and ghoulish decorations; but these elements of Hallow’s Eve fun come secondary to a child’s safety.

To help parents this October, the Prince George’s Fire Department has compiled a list of handy suggestions to keep young ones safe this Halloween.

• Costumes should have reflective qualities or be made of flame resistant light-colored fabric. They should be short enough so they don’t interfere with walking or become entangled in bicycle chains. Use facial makeup rather than masks so kids can see more easily.
  
  
• Children should carry flashlights while trick-or-treating. Discuss the proposed route, time of return, and companions kids will have with them. An adult should always accompany younger children. Visit the homes of persons you know or local familiar neighborhoods, stopping only at well-lit houses.
  
  
• Children should avoid busy streets, always use sidewalks. Drivers should avoid all unnecessary travel on Halloween evening, and when driving go slowly and watch for children crossing streets. Many accidents occur when drivers are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence of kids.
  
  
• Halloween treats should be saved until children return home so adults can examine all items. Treats that are unwrapped, or show signs of having been opened, should not be eaten. Fruit should be sliced into small pieces and checked for foreign objects.
  
  
• Persons receiving trick-or-treaters should keep a light on. Jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of doorsteps and landings. Use flashlights instead of candles to light jack-o-lanterns.

Area children and their parents can learn more about Halloween safety at the Baden Volunteer Fire Department’s free Halloween costume party, where there will be Halloween-themed activities, skits, a moon bounce, and fire safety-related games.

Hosted in the fire station’s outdoor pavilion and playground area, the party is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. Children aged 2 through 12 are welcome to attend.

For more information on the upcoming Halloween Costume Party, fire safety, or how to keep your child safe while trick-or-treating, contact Fire Prevention Chairperson Connie Boswell at 301-752-0010.

Photo via Getty Images

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