Edina Police, Fire Departments Offer Safety Tips for Halloween

The Edina Police and Fire departments know a thing or two about dealing with potential dangers. That awareness certainly doesn't stop on a day like Halloween.

It's a day of fun and celebration, but can also present some risks for young trick-or-treaters.

Crime Prevention Specialist Molly Anderson said the Edina Police Department's primary concern on a day like Halloween is maintaining safety.

"With a little preparation, parents can ensure their little ones will have a happy and safe Halloween," Anderson said.

Anderson offers the following safety tips for residents planning to celebrate the spooky holiday:

• Choose a Halloween costume that doesn’t have long -trailing fabric that could easily get caught on something.
• Since masks can restrict vision, use face makeup on your child instead.
• Provide your child with a flashlight or glow stick to increase their visibility. You can also secure reflector tape to your child’s costume. 
• Make sure all costume props are soft and not too bulky or hard to carry.
• Make sure children look both ways when crossing the street.
• Discard all candy that has become unwrapped and do not accept homemade goods. 

And for those of us not hitting the streets for Halloween, Fire Chief Marty Scheerer said residents should also be aware of a higher potential for fire dangers at home—decorations are responsible for more than 1,000 house fires annually.

Scheerer has his own batch of helpful tips for a safe day:

• It is safest to use battery-operated candles in pumpkins and lanterns, instead of real candles.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are easily flammable. Keep these decorations away from all open flames and heat sources.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Tell children to stay clear of open flames. Be sure they know to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.

For more information and additional tips, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610 or the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0330.

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