Halloween Safety Tips from Your Fire Department

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Here are some Halloween safety tips from the San Rafael Fire Department:

• Plan and wear costumes that are bright, reflective and fire resistant. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider those that allow your children to see clearly or consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Teach children their home phone number and to how call 911 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 911 can be dialed free from any phone.
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
• A parent or adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• Visit one of your neighborhood fire stations to trick or treat with San Rafael Firefighters
• Please try not to cut across yards or use alleys.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations and always walk, never run across a street.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, an adult should examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• While children can help with designing a Pumpkin/Jack O' Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
• Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
•  When you use candles, use only battery operated candles instead of open flames.

Check out our Halloween guide for where to find the best pumpkin patches, what scary events are taking place and much more.