Ghosts, goblins and ghouls: here come the tricks

by Natalie Eslinger
Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs

10/19/2012 - KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Halloween is just around the corner. Everyone, young and old, is getting ready. Choosing costumes, buying treats, decorating and party-planning are all part of the preparations. This year is no different than any other; the best way to enjoy all the activities is to keep your focus on safety.

The Centers for Disease Control offer some great tips below for parents and trick-or-treaters. Take a few minutes to review the list with the entire family. Work as a team to check off each tip before and during your evening of trick-or-treating.

Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.
Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.
Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Those planning to host Halloween parties should be equally cautious, especially with the use of candles. Candles provide the right atmosphere, but can be dangerous if they're too close to anything flammable. Because guests are likely to be in costumes, check all doorways and stairways to make sure they are clear and accessible.

Lastly, take the same precautions you would take for any event, such as: ensure there are designated drivers, offer non-alcoholic beverages, have plenty of food available and know the phone number for a taxi service.

Halloween is a fun time to spend with family and friends. Enjoy it, and watch out for those ghosts, goblins and ghouls.

(See http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween for more Halloween safety tips)