Halloween Safety Tips

The Kimberley North Improvement Association Board  offers parents and children the following tips to help ensure a safe and festive Halloween:

• If you do not want your child going trick-or-treating door-to-door, consider other alternatives such as planning a party or attending community Halloween festivities.
• Pay close attention to the costumes that your children will be wearing.

• Costumes should be made of a fire retardant material
• They should be non-restrictive to allow free movement and uninhibited vision.
• Make sure that masks do not hinder a child’s breathing.
• Provide adequate warm clothing under the costume to protect against cold weather.
• Always remain in familiar territory.
• When going door-to-door, travel in groups with at least one responsible adult.
• Use flashlights, “Glo-sticks” or lighted wands to help you see and be seen.
• If a home does not have a porch light turned on, the residents are indicating that they do not want to be disturbed.
• Use your discretion in determining which homes children should approach.
• Exercise caution and obey all pedestrian traffic laws. Cross at intersections and consider the existing street lighting.
• Keep your group together, and remember that children can easily get caught up in the excitement of the evening and may run ahead of the group.
• Carefully inspect all items received before anything is eaten, and throw away any candy or treat that is not securely wrapped by the manufacturer.
• Consider only eating candied apples or other homemade treats if you know the person who prepared them.
• If you will be passing out candy, secure your pets, remove all obstructions from the path to your porch and avoid using any open flame near the door.