CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-1683

THERE'S NO TRICK TO A SAFE HALLOWEEN

MADISON - With Halloween around the corner, state health officials are reminding parents, children and homeowners to include safety in the night of fun.

"During Halloween events, it is important to put safety first," said Secretary Karen Timberlake. "If everyone follows some basic safety tips, we can all enjoy a safe and gremlin-free Halloween."

Here are a few ways to make the trick-or-treating experience an enjoyable one:

Costume Safety

• Wear light-colored costumes because they are more visible to motorists.
• Use reflective tape to decorate costumes and candy bags so it's easier for drivers to see children.
• Use make-up rather than a mask; if your child's costume does include a mask, make sure it fits snugly and that the eyeholes are large enough to allow for full vision.
• Wear proper fitting, sturdy shoes and keep costumes short enough so that a child will not trip and fall.
• Choose costume accessories that are made of soft and flexible material.
• Wear costumes that are made of flame-retardant material.
• Do not use novelty contacts such as "cat eyes" or "snake eyes."

Pedestrian Safety

• Daylight trick-or-treating is best. Otherwise, use reflective tape on costumes and candy bags.
• Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult with a flashlight. Flashlights or chemical light sticks help motorists see children.
• Remind children to walk - not run - and only cross streets at crosswalks.

Halloween Home Safety

• Remove obstacles from your lawn, porch, or steps if you are expecting trick-or-treaters.
• Make sure your front porch is well-lit.
• Avoid using candle-lit jack-o-lanterns if possible. If you do use candles, don't place them near curtains, furnishings, or decorations. Move them off porches where children's costumes might ignite.
• Keep your pets in another room when you are expecting trick-or-treaters.
• Leave the carving to the adults - small children should draw designs on pumpkins.

Parents should remind children not to eat any treats before a parent can inspect them. Suspect items should be thrown away. Parents with small children should also discard any candy or small toys that could be a choking hazard.

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Last Revised:  July 12, 2010