Halloween Safety

Halloween and harvest festivals are fun for families, but they can also present serious safety risks. From traffic and trick-or-treating to pumpkin-carving, AFSEC has the tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year that began with decorations.
REF: NFPA

Always trick-or-treat with an adult
Only trick-or-treat in well lit, familiar areas
Never enter a stranger's home
If trick-or-treating after dark, fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags
Check treats before eating or allowing kids to eat them

All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags or use glow sticks after dark
Make sure Halloween makeup is nontoxic and test it in a small area first
Remove makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

Children trick-or-treat at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

Slow down and be especially alert for kids in neighborhoods
Turn on your headlights
Take extra time...look for kids in intersections, medians and on curbs
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly
Popular trick-or-treating hours: 5:30pm - 9:30pm

Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead of candles in jack-o-lanterns
Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs or heaters
Tell children to stay away from open flames and make sure they know how to "stop, drop and roll"
Make sure all smoke alarms are working
Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Burns)

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS: Use the specialty pumpkin carving kits designed to saw through rinds and scoop out innards without being razor-sharp
KEEP IT CLEAN, DRY AND BRIGHT: Carve in a well-lit, clean and dry area
DON'T LET KIDS CARVE: Children 14 and younger should stick to drawing on the pattern and scooping out the seeds
CARVE YOUR PUMPKIN WITH THE TOP ON: This way you won't be tempted to put your hand inside and cut toward your hand
FIRST AID: If someone does get cut, apply direct pressure to the wound using a dry, clean cloth. If the bleeding doesn't stop in 15 minutes, go to the emergency room or urgent care clinic