Halloween safety tips to scare away injuries Published Oct. 24, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Charles Ladnier 17th Training Wing Safety Office GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Halloween will be a night for 41 million trick-or-treaters aged 5 to 14 across the United States to scare and spook neighborhoods with their costumes after daylight hours, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The evening brings additional dangers to children dressing as their favorite characters or scariest goblins. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Automobile Association, Halloween is the deadliest night of the year for children. Children receive varying levels of injures, or even death, due to auto accidents, fire, falls, cuts, bruises and tampered treats, so it's important that everyone ensures a safe and enjoyable evening. Be sure children of all ages know the possible dangers they could face and how to avoid them. The 17th Wing Safety offers the following tips for everyone to consider before participating in Halloween festivities this year: Dangerous carvings Children should not use sharp knives to carve jack-o'-lanterns without adult supervision. Risky roadways Don't walk in the roadways. Use sidewalks and cross walks, and wear reflective material on dark costumes. Hazardous costumes Costumes can cause tripping hazard. Ensure the length of the costume does not impede children from the ability to walk without assistance or cause a tripping hazard or fall. Parents should ensure masks and wigs do not hinder or block vision. Purchased and homemade costumes should be fire resistant. Accessories should also be soft and dull to help prevent further injury if a fall were to occur. Frightful flames Open flames from candles and jack-o'-lanterns can be dangerous and should be placed away from paths to avoid costumes coming into contact with flames. Treacherous treats Before children start devouring the treats, parents should inspect candy and throw away any unwrapped or suspicious candy. Scary beasts Strange costumes and unfamiliar children around the house can upset any dog, even the family pet. Children in costume should avoid contact with pets, and use caution when dogs approach anyone dressed for the occasion.
