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MORE HALLOWEEN TIPS
JUST FOR ADULTS
For children the Halloween countdown includes the annual selection
and carving of that perfect pumpkin. Let them draw out the face but never let children handle the knife or do the
carving, even older children. Let them clean up instead.
Always place a lighted jack-o'-lantern away from curtains and other
flammable objects. Keep it out of the path of trick-or-treaters. Never leave lighted pumpkins unattended. Using a light
bulb or flashlight is a safer alternative to using a candle.
Parents and adults should ensure the safety of pedestrian
trick-or-treaters by driving extra slowly and defensively. Don't assume that an excited youngster in a costume will
move as you expect. Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters darting out from parked cars, watch for children in the
street and on medians, exit driveways and alleyways carefully, etc.
When driving the kids around the neighbourhood, have them get out of
the car on the curbside not on the traffic side.
Replace burned-out bulbs in exterior lights. Leave your exterior
lights on later than usual.
Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing the pathway. Make sure
the path to your door is well-lited and your lawn is clear of things that could be tripped over, such as
jack-o'-lanterns with lit candles, ladders, garden hoses, flowerpots, bikes, etc. Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks
and stairs.
Keep excitable pets away from the door.
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k n o w ? |
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Experts say that
the current government-mandated tests and standards are inadequate to judge the safety of Halloween
costumes.
Manufacturers and
importers are not required to test fabrics or pieces of clothing for fire safety even those with
fire-retardant labels.
Flame-retardant is
not flame-proof. Tests showed some materials with fire-retardant labels actually burn more quickly than materials
with labels that read "keep away from fire". As such the fire-retardant label gives a false sense of
security.
Thin, flimsy or
mesh-type Halloween costumes should be avoided. In one test the white mesh skirt on an angel costume took one
second to ignite. A small label reading "keep away from flame" was on the back of
the packaging.
Adapted from: Consumer Watch, The Toronto Star, 10/19/01
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RETRACTION: Please refer
to page 23 of our 32-page Child Safety Reference Manual under Crib Safety. Note that BUMPER PADS
should NEVER be used in a crib.
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Children's Safety
Association of
Canada |
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385 The West Mall, Suite 250
Etobicoke,
ON M9C 1E7 |
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Telephone:(416) 620-1584
Toll-Free:
1-888-499-4444
Fax: (416) 620-0048 |
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Website: www.safekid.org
Email:
csaclead@safekid.org |
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