Batesville, In. — Ghosts and Gobblins will be hitting local streets for Halloween soon and here are safety tips:
- Choose a costume that is not bulky, has trailing fabric or obstructs sight.
- Try to incorporate flashlights or glow sticks into costumes.
- Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.
- Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.
- Go only to homes that have porch lights on.
- Never eat candy until a parent or guardian can inspect it.
- Report any suspicious objects or activity to police.
- If a candy wrapper is compromised discard the item.
