CHENANGO COUNTY – With Halloween fast approaching, the Chenango County Bureau of Fire reminds parents that the hidden dangers associated with costumes, treats and decorations can easily be prevented. Fire Coordinator Matthew Beckwith and the CCBF provide these tips to keep you and your family safe on Halloween.
Costumes
• When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label “Flame Resistant.” Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape.
• To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea as they can become a trip hazard.
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes and obstructing vision. Try make-up instead of a mask. Masks can obstruct a child's vision - a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps.If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
Treats
• Warn children not to eat any treats until an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering. Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters under three years of age.
• Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.
• Parents should only take their children to neighborhoods in which they know and people they trust. Do not accept any candy or items from people which parents don’t feel comfortable with.
