Coram, NY – In preparation for Halloween, Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro is offering parents some tips, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to help ensure children enjoy the holiday safely.
ALL DRESSED UP
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. Make-up should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are not unpleasant surprises on the big day.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it it’s not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he or she stumbles or trips.
• Review with children how to call 911 if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
CARVING A NICHE
• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers; then parents can do the cutting.
• Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. They should never be left unattended.
Daniel P. Losquadro * Highway Superintendent
1140 Old Town Road • Coram • NY 11727 • Phone (631) 451-9200 • Fax (631) 732-2584