Halloween Safety

Costumes:
    Should be flame-resistant fabric.

  • Should be light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
  • Should be well fitted.
  • Make sure masks fit securely, has adequate ventilation with large eye hole.
Decorations:
  • Keep candles & Jack-o-lanterns away from flammable items.
  • Keep pathways clear for trick or treaters.
  • Keep home inside and out well lighted
Pedestrians:
  • Children should walk with an adult.
  • Children should be cautious about walking thru lawns and between parked cars.
  • Children should carry flashlights.
  • Add reflective tape to their costumes.

Winter Holiday Safety

Decorations:
  • Look for a fresh tree if you choose to buy a natural tree and keep it in a container full of water. (A safer option would be to buy a fire-resistant artificial tree.)
  • Remember your children when you decorate. Do not put ornaments or lights on lower branches where small children can reach them.
  • Check all lights to make sure there are no loose sockets, frayed wires or loose connections. Turn off tree lights when unattended.
  • Keep hard food, candies, nuts, and popcorn out of reach of children.
Shopping:

More than half of the approximately 3.8 billion toys sold each year in the United States are sold during the holiday season. Keep these recommendations in mind.

  • Follow age recommendations listed on toy packages.
  • Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than seven inches.
  • Avoid toys with small removable parts. These are a choking hazard for children under three.
Outdoors:
  • While sledding, use sturdy and safely constructed equipment (avoid makeshift sleds). Never put two or more children on a single sled, and consider having your children wear helmets.
  • Dress in several thin layers to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.
  • When skiing or snowboarding, wear a helmet, eye protection, and sunblock.
At Home:
  • Have your furnace inspected each year to ensure it is working properly.
  • Install smoke and CO2 detectors on each level of your home.
  • Keep emergency numbers updated and posted.

Fireworks Safety

  • Only adults should light fireworks
  • Buy only the amount of fireworks you plan to use.
  • Keep a water bucket, water hose or fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Use eye protection.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at other people, cars, or homes.
  • Light one at a time and away from flammable materials and other people.
  • Do not try to relight non-working fireworks.
  • Keep pets indoors in a safe place leaving TV or radio on for distraction. In case they escape, make sure pets are wearing a tag. Consult a veterinarian for more information.

Contact Us

Alyssa Mitchell – Health Educator, Summit County Health Department

650 Round Valley Drive, Park City, UT 84060
Phone: 435-333-1508
amitchell@summitcounty.org

Links of Interest

American Academy of Pediatrics Holiday Safety Tips
National Safety Council Holiday Season Safety