Halloween is meant to be a special treat for children
and adults alike, but many of its hallmarks, costumes and decorations
pose fire, safety and other accident hazards. Altadena Sheriff's Station,
Pasadena Police Department, Fire and Public Health Officials offer the
following tips and reminders to help all witches, ghosts and ghouls enjoy
a safe Halloween.
Costumes
• Wear a costume that is easily seen by others, especially motorists, and
is easy to walk in.
• Avoid costumes with billowy, long-trailing fabric that can easily
ignite or be a tripping hazard.
• Make sure masks fit properly and eye holes are large enough to easily
see out.
• Consider wearing facial make-up instead.
Candles and Decorations
Halloween is one of the top five days of the year when candles are used,
and according to the National Fire Protection Association, candles cause
about 15,000 house fires each year, more than 1,200 serious injuries,
close to 200 deaths and $450 million in property damage.
• Always use caution with candles and never leave lit candles unattended.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep
these and other decorations well away from open flames and heat sources,
including light bulbs and heaters.
• Keep all exists clear of decorations and have a fire extinguisher
nearby.
• Consider using flashlights or battery-operated candles instead.
• Light candles inside Jack o’ Lanterns with long, fireplace-style
matches or utility lighters.
• Make sure children are watched at all times when around lit candles. Be
sure young ones know how to stop, drop, roll and cover their faces if
clothing catches fire.
Trick or Treating
• Always go with friends and stay in a group. Plan your route, using
well-lit streets and tell your family which streets you plan to use and
your return time.
• Parents or other adults should always go with the young
trick-or-treaters. Everyone should use flashlights or glow-sticks to
increase visibility. Use reflective tape on costumes.
• Cross only at corners, not in the middle of the block or from between
parked cars.
• Review with children how to safely cross a street with by looking left,
right and left again to spot approaching cars. If no sidewalk, stay as
far left of the roadway as possible and walk facing traffic.
• Never eat any goodies until you are safely home and have checked all
treats. Parents should help youngsters check all treats. Throw away candy
or food not commercially wrapped and sealed. Notify parents and police if
there are any suspicious treats.
• As an alternative, attend an organized Halloween party. It’s fun to get
together with other ghosts and goblins! If your children are attending
Halloween parties at others’ homes, remind them to be alert for ways out
of the home in an emergency.
Adults & Motorists
• Use extra caution while driving on Halloween. Be on the look-out for
trick-or-treaters.
• Celebrate responsibly and designate a driver if attending parties or
other festivities.
For additional public safety tips, call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at
(626) 798-1131.
For more on-line information about the Altadena Sheriff's Station:
Visit the Altadena Sheriff's Station Web Page:
http://www.altadena.lasd.org
Altadena Nixle:
http://local.nixle.com/lasd---altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/
Altadena Twiiter:
http://twitter.com/@lasdald
Captain Benedict's Twitter:
http://twitter.com/@jblasd
Like the Altadena Sheriff's Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/AltadenaSheriffsStation
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