Halloween safety tips from local police, fire departments

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Local police and fire departments are sharing their tips for a safe and spooky Halloween.

The best costume is a safe one!

  • Opt for face paint instead of a mask since masks can obstruct vision.
  • Make sure your costumes, wings, wings and other accessories are fire-resistant.
  • Choose the right fit. Costumes that are too large can cause trips and falls.
  • If there isn't any reflective material on the costume, try adding some reflective tape to costumes, trick-or-treat bags and buckets.
  • Try incorporating glow sticks, whether through handheld sticks, bracelets or necklace, into your child's costume so it's easier to keep track of them. Glow sticks can also help drivers see your child.

Planning, planning, planning!

  • Join your kids when they are trick-or-treating.
  • If you can't join your child, or you feel they're old enough to venture out on their own, have your child's location shared so you can follow where they go.
  • You should also pre-plan your child's route for trick-or-treating. They should know their route and so should you!
  • It's also good practice for children going without parents to be in a group. Safety is in numbers!
  • Make sure your child understands how to use crosswalks correctly and traffic signals. We should always look both ways before crossing the street at least twice and your child should know to never run into the street or cross between parked cars.
  • Glow sticks, reflective material and flashlights help with visibility of your child to cars.

Do you plan to cruise around on Halloween?

  • Slow down in any residential areas, even if you don't see children. Always obey traffic laws.
  • Be vigilant at crosswalks, near parked cars and sidewalks. Children may not always follow traffic and pedestrian laws, especially when it's such an exciting night, but you should.
  • Don't drive distracted and never drive drunk. Pull over to send that text and call a rideshare or friend to get a ride if you've been drinking.

Candy galore!

  • Check your child's candy prior to them eating it. You can make it into a fun "inventory" game for children to also see what they got!
  • As tempting as it may be, children shouldn't eat too much of their candy in one go! They may get an upset stomach or a sugar rush right before they need to go to bed.

Spoooooky decor!

  • Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in your jack-o-lanterns
  • Keep your exits clear of decorations and make sure your smoke detectors are always working.
  • Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire very easily. Make sure to keep them away from flames and heat sources!

If you observe suspicious activity and you know it's not just Halloween fun, call your local non-emergency number. Always call 911 if there is an emergency.


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