Halloween Safety Tips From The 70th Precinct

The 70th Precinct has sent over some tips to make sure all of our neighbors have the most enjoyable and safest Halloween possible. From supervision to sweets, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Even when traveling with a group of friends, trick-or-treaters should always be supervised by at least one adult.
  • Adults should inspect Halloween treats before allowing children to eat them, making sure kids never eat open or unwrapped candy.
  • Costumes should be flame-retardant and should allow children to walk freely without tripping. Masks should not impair a child’s ability to see, hear or move.
  • All face paint and make-up used on skin or costumes should be non-toxic.
  • Take extra care crossing streets, especially at dusk and after dark.
  • Kids should carry flashlights and wear reflective or bright colored clothing at night.
  • Emergency identification information should be placed discreetly inside clothing of small children, in case they are accidentally separated from adults.
  • Avoid having children wear their names outwardly on clothing or jewelry, so that strangers may not call them by name and appear to know them.
  • Children should be cautioned, as always, to avoid strangers, as well as poorly-lit areas and homes of people they do not know.

“Halloween treats should only be consumed if they are packaged appropriately,” says the 70th. “Parents can help protect their children by making sure that treats are wrapped in their original, unbroken packages–no loose candy, open glasses or bottles, fresh fruit, or homemade goods.”

Parents or guardians should call the NYC Health Department’s 24-hour Poison Control Center at 212-764-7667 if, after eating a Halloween treat, there is evidence that it may have been tampered with, it has a strange taste, or a child feels sick.

Besides that, check out our list of fun stuff to do tomorrow, and we can’t wait to see what everyone’s dressed as this year!

Photo by carryboo