City of Las Vegas issued the following announcement on October 21.
Halloween is a holidays anticipated by the young, and the young at heart. It brings a lot of joy, candy and creativity every year, but with it being less of a celebration last year due to COVID-19, people are really looking to pull out the stops in 2021.
Fun is the focus, but safety should also be on the minds of us all whether you are walking your little ones through the neighborhood, driving anywhere on Halloween night or handing out treats to children. We chatted with Melanie Dennon of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue about how to safely enjoy the night. She had a lot of tips, many of which may be new to even the most attentive parents, guardians and neighbors planning to enjoy the night.
Safety At Home:
-Remove tripping hazards to keep your home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters. Check around your door for anything that could be a trip hazard like electrical cords, garden hoses, toys and decorations.
-Check to make sure your scary decorations are not in the dark. Check your lighting to be sure there is a well-lit path provided.
-Restrain your pets so they don’t jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
Pumpkin Carving:
-Never allow small children to carve pumpkins.Let them draw the faces with markers so they feel involved. Parents or another adult can do the carving. Use a pumpkin carving kit. They are inexpensive and much safer than a sharp kitchen knife. (You can literally run your finger over the carving tool and not cut yourself.)
-Consider using a flameless candle or small flashlight inside your pumpkin. Real candles can be a disaster waiting to happen if a child’s costume gets too close to the pumpkin.
While They Are On The Prowl:
-If children are under the age of 12, an adult should be with them.
-If your children are older and want to go alone, make sure you know where they are going and that you approve the route they are taking. In addition, set a time they are expected to be home.
-Teach your children not to enter a home or car to get their candy. If they want to visit a house in the neighborhood where the owners are known to decorate as a haunted house, an adult should accompany them.
-Tell your children not to eat any treats until they are home and you have had a chance to check the candy. Look for unusual wrappers and for any candy that may cause an allergic reaction.
-Put electronic devices away! Look up, walk carefully and look out for motorists before crossing the street.
Costume Safety:
-Costumes and wigs should be fire resistant.
-Reflective tape is extremely effective after dark. Another option is to carry a flashlight or flameless lantern.
-Nontoxic makeup is better than masks. Masks can slip and block vision. If you do use makeup, test it on a small area of your child’s skin to make sure there is no irritation.
Original source can be found here.
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