The UL Halloween Safety Guide and ‘Trick or Treat’ Family Safety Quiz
It’s the scariest night of the year! But with a little attention to safety, you can keep it fun and not frightful. Here are a few tips for you to follow and a quiz to review safety with your kids. Boo!
Don’t Frankenstein Your Lights
When purchasing electrical decorations, make sure to shop at a reputable retailer and look for the UL Mark. Be sure to check the rating on your extension cords and do not plug in more than the recommended wattage. Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high wattage decorations such as fog machines and electrically-powered inflatable decorations.
Inspect Decorations with Fiendish Care
Inspect all of your electric lights and decorations for damage or wear. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may pose a fire or shock hazard. Replace damaged light strings with energy-efficient LED lights. Look for a red UL Mark to indicate that lights are certified for both indoor and outdoor use. A green UL mark indicates certification for indoor use only.
Beware of Candles!
Candles, especially in a Jack O’Lantern, should be off the ground and out of children’s reach. Try battery-operated LED candles for an even safer option.
Don’t Trip Up Your Goblins
Halloween costumes should allow full movement for your kids. Costumes that drag, constrict or drape pose a dangerous hazard, especially at night. Check to ensure that costumes don’t restrict your children’s vision, and instruct them to watch out for tripping hazards, such as cords.
Say Boo! to Unsafe Costumes
Be sure to purchase or make costumes out of flame-resistant materials such as nylon or polyester as these specially marked fabrics will resist burning and extinguish quickly. Make sure your child knows to stop, drop and roll in case their costume catches fire.
Be Safe and Bright
Choose costumes that are lighter in color and attach reflective materials to costumes. Make sure each child has a flashlight to help them see and be seen.
Keep Hungry Monsters from Feeding
Never let your kids eat Halloween candy before you inspect it in the light at home. Even if you know your neighbors, you should always check to be safe and throw away open candy or anything that looks at all suspicious.
Talk to your Little Ghouls About Safety
Here’s a fun way to go over basic safety rules with your kids before the evening arrives. Give them this Halloween family safety quiz, and when they’re done, award them with a UL safety certificate that they can post on the front door!
