It’s the time of the year when children and adults dress in their costumes, festival decorations are placed and an endless bounty of candy is given for Halloween. To help keep trick-or-treaters safe on Halloween, the Salisbury Fire Department would like to remind everyone of these safety tips:
- It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-powered lanterns candles in place of candles in decorations and costumes. It is also a great time to replace your smoke alarm batteries.
- Dress like a ghoul or goblin, but stay safe. Make sure costumes and candy containers are reflective. To avoid tripping, costumes shouldn’t drag too far on the ground.
- Think twice before using simulated swords, knives or guns. If props are used make sure they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to avoid injury.
- Provide children with a contact name, address and phone number should they get lost or have an emergency.
- Use well-marked routes to get to the candy. Cross at street corners using traffic signals or marked crosswalks. Do not cut across yards or use alleys. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children while trick-or-treating.
- When in doubt, throw the candy out. Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is completely unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade and not factory-wrapped. Small children should not be allowed hard candy, which is a choking hazard.
- To keep pets safe, never feed pets candy or chocolate. Costumes and loud noises can cause anxiety and stress in some pets. Make sure they are in a safe place in the house when guests visit.
We wish you a safe and happy Halloween!