Tag Archives: holiday safety

Make Halloween SAFE and HEALTHY

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halloween_socialKids love Halloween – dressing up, going to parties and, of course, eating yummy treats. But parents need to keep some guidelines in mind to make sure the day is full of treats, not tricks. Use these tips to make the festivities SAFE and HEALTHY.

Swords, knives and other 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.

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Hand out some healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Exercise can be part of the fun. Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.

Avoid walking areas and stairs that aren’t well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

Test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

Yes, a little candy is OK, but limit the sweet treats beyond the holiday.

For more ideas on safe, healthy Halloween fun, check out these pages:

 

Firework Safety for New Year’s Eve

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By Bryony Wardell

When the clock strikes midnight, remember that it’s best to leave fireworks to the professionals.  But if you choose to use fireworks, also choose to protect yourself, your family members and your friends.

Fireworks can cause serious injuries, including burns, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries and can even be deadly.

Safety Tips!

Smart Purchasing

Please obey local and state laws regarding the sale and use of state approved fireworks.Buy only consumer-grade fireworks.  Avoid buying fireworks packaged in a brown bag, which often means they were made for professional displays and could be dangerous for consumer use.

Handle with care

Read all warning labels and follow directions on each device. Never put your head or any part of your body over a firework. Never hold a lit firework in your hand.Fireworks should not be carried in your pocket. Don’t aim or throw fireworks at another person. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and keep a fire extinguisher of water bucket handy.

Adult supervision

Firework activities should be adult led, and adults should never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks.  Make sure you, your kids, and others watch from a safe distance.

Safe lighting

Light from the side (never standing directly over) using a blunt or handheld igniter.  Wear protective eyewear.  Remember that a dud is a dud, and you should never attempt to re-light a short fuse or a firework dud.   And, call 911 immediately if someone is injured from fireworks.

For more information on firework safety, visit www.cdc.gov/family/minutes/tips/fireworks/.