October 30, 2008 - Shreveport Fire Department offers Tips for the Halloween Season

Halloween season safe and fun

The Shreveport Fire Department will take an active role in making this Halloween season safe and fun for both kids and parents. Not only should trick-or-treaters look out for ghosts and goblins, but they should be cautious of moving cars and avoiding simple injuries while enjoying the holiday fun.

“The citizens of Shreveport are encouraged to stop by all 20 fire stations and get valuable information on how to keep their children safe from fire. Because so many parents and kids participate in the kid-friendly tradition, this festivity presents an opportunity for SFD to reach out to the community to reinforce the Department’s message and Mission” according to Fire Chief Brian Crawford.

Each year, children suffer minor injuries during the Halloween season which could have been avoided if a few simple tips have been followed. The SFD offers the following safety tips to ensure your Halloween is not only a scary and fun one, but also one that is safe:

•Make sure the costumes and shoes fit: Baggy sleeves or billowy capes and skirts can trip you up and catch fire if they brush against jack-o-lanterns or candle flames. Big, floppy shoes can be hard to walk in and make your fall.
•Make sure costumes props are flexible: Costume props can hurt if you fall. Swords, knives should be made of flexible plastic, cardboard or rubber.
•Make sure masks did not obstruct the child’s vision: Don’t wear a mask that is too loose; it can slip and block vision. Use facial make-up instead.
•Make sure drivers can see costumes in the dark: Purchase glow-in-the-dark costumes or apply reflective tape to costumes so motorists can easily identify children.
•Go trick-or-treating in groups: Don’t go alone and always go with buddies. Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.

•Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods: Only go to homes that are well lit

•Make sure you cross streets at sidewalks and intersections: Stop at street corners. Look in all directions before crossing and do not cross between parked cars!
•Walk, don’t run from house to house: Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects and uneven terrain can become a tripping hazard.

•Carry flashlights to see more clearly and to be seen by motorist.

•Keep jack-o-lanterns containing candles away from curtains and other combustible materials.
•Make sure parents check treats before eating: Pick only wrapped candy when you trick-or-treat. Wash fruit and slick into small pieces. When in doubt, throw it out!