Halloween can be both a fun and dangerous time.
State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey says children and parents should use battery-operated tea lights in jack-o-lanterns, instead of candles.
Also, more children are hit by cars on Halloween than any other day of the year, so it is important for children to be visible and to practice pedestrian safety.
“Children should carry a flashlight or glow sticks, and costumes should be bright-colored or have reflective tape to highlight them,” said Ostroskey. “Drivers should use extra caution by driving more slowly and watching for children who may forget to cross at corners and use crosswalks.”
Other tips from Ostroskey include: keeping decorations, like cornstalks and leaves, away from candles; being sure all parts of costumes are labeled flame-retardant; and not wearing trailing materials or tails long enough to cause falls.
If a child is wearing a mask, instead of makeup, make sure the eye holes are large enough to see through clearly. Make sure your home is well lit inside and outside, and make a clear path to your door.
Children under age 12 should be accompanied by an adult. It’s best to take little ones out early, and if older children are going out without you, go over the ground rules first and set a curfew. Have children travel in a group and with a cell phone and flashlight.
Remind youngsters to cross at crosswalks or corners and not to dart out between parked cars. Fireworks are dangerous and illegal in Massachusetts — the ban includes firecrackers, cherry bombs and party poppers.
For more information on Halloween safety, contact your local fire department or visit: www.mass.gov/dfs or call the Public Fire Safety Education Hotline 877-966-3473.