Halloween is an exciting holiday full of fun and surprises, no matter what your age. To make sure this Halloween is as fun, memorable and safe as possible for you and your family, Liberty Mutual has assembled some top Halloween safety tips for you. Please join us in our efforts to make your community safer by taking a few minutes to review them and share with your family as the big night gets closer.
Nighttime safety.
Since many communities still celebrate Halloween during evening hours, it’s important to mix in a little caution with your good times. These easy steps can help you keep your family’s trick-or-treating safe and fun:
- Turn on exterior lights to illuminate your entryway and the safest route to and from it.
- Ensure sidewalks and paths are free from clutter or tripping hazards.
- Never go it alone; travel in small groups with at least one adult present.
- Carry battery-powered flashlights or non-toxic glow stick lights.
- Wear reflective or light-colored clothing that can easily be seen by traffic.
- Cross streets in groups, using flashlights or other lighting to signal vehicles.
- Steer clear of homes where the exterior lights are out – they may not want to be disturbed.
Care with costumes.
Halloween is a time to let your creativity shine – especially when it comes to selecting or creating a special costume that will really stand out in a crowd. These Halloween costume safety reminders are important to keep in mind:
- Choose costumes that fit well, without loose or flowing material that can easily snag or become a tripping hazard.
- Buy costumes or costume accessories with labels that read “flame resistant” or “flame retardant.”
- Try to avoid costumes or accessories that cover the eyes or face completely – you want to maintain good visibility.
- If you or your child wears a mask, be sure the eye holes are large enough to easily see through.
Decorating dangers.
Liberty Mutual wants your home to be as safe as possible, even when you’re getting into costume for Halloween activities. With a little care and common sense there’s no reason fun and safety can’t go together! Our Halloween decorating safety tips will help.
- Keep dried corn stalks, flower wreaths and paper decorations clear of lights, doorways, paths or sidewalks.
- Avoid placing open flames or other heat sources near any of your holiday decorations.
- Choose Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rated electrical decorations for your Halloween displays.
- Light jack-o-lanterns with battery-powered, electric lights or “glow sticks” instead of traditional candles.
- If you do you use candles to illuminate your pumpkins, never leave them unattended.
Sources:
Underwriters Laboratories (UL): www.ul.com
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): www.nfpa.org/education