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Novi
Police and Fire Departments offer important Halloween
Safety Tips
October 2010
On Sunday, October 31, thousands of
witches, goblins, super heroes, and princesses will take
to Novi streets when cleverly costumed children go
looking for treats. The recommended “trick or treat”
hours in Novi are between 6 and 8 pm.
Halloween can be an enjoyable time for
children and adults alike.
The Novi Police and Fire Departments encourage everyone
to have a fun and safe Halloween. Both Departments
promote safety at all times, but it is never more
important then during Halloween. Drivers must remain
aware and drive safely since children will be out on the
local streets. Additionally, the National Fire
Protection Association reports Halloween is the fifth
highest day of the year for candle fires, trailing only
Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day and New Year's
Eve. Fires caused by ignited decorations resulted in an
average of 1,610 house fires a year.
“Throughout the year, the men and women
of the Novi Police and Fire Departments strive to create
the safest environment possible,” comments Novi’s
Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police David E.
Molloy. “The biggest dangers faced on Halloween are
injuries from tripping and falling and pedestrian/car
accidents. Unfortunately, many children forget often
practiced safety tips out of shear excitement while
trick-or-treating. Children and adults often times
choose the shortest routes when walking from
door-to-door for treats rather than the safest routes.”
To ensure a safe Halloween, the Novi
Police and Fire Departments recommend the following
safety rules.
Halloween Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
Children should:
· Go
only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather
than entering houses.
· Travel
in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.
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Know their phone number in case an
emergency telephone call is necessary.
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Have their names and addresses
attached to their costumes.
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Bring treats home before eating them
so parents can inspect them.
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Use costume knives and swords that
are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
When walking in neighborhoods Children
should:
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Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks,
and avoid crossing yards.
-
Cross streets at the corner, use
crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross
between parked cars.
-
Stop at all corners and stay together
in a group before crossing.
-
Wear clothing that is bright,
reflective, and flame retardant.
-
Consider using face paint instead of
masks. (Masks can obstruct a child's vision.)
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Avoid wearing hats that will slide
over their eyes.
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Avoid wearing long, baggy or loose
costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
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Look left, right, and left again
before crossing the street.
Parents and adults should:
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Supervise the outing for children
under age 12.
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Establish a curfew (a return time)
for older children.
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Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters
by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by
placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and
landings.
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Avoid giving choking hazards such as
gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats
to young children.
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Inspect all candy for safety before
children eat it.
Parents and adults should ensure the
safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters:
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Make sure children are supervised as
they cross the street.
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Drive slowly.
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Watch for children in the street and
on medians.
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Exit driveways and alleyways
carefully.
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Have children get out of cars on the
curbside, not on the traffic side.
And a few tips about pumpkins and
decorations:
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Carve pumpkins on stable, flat
surfaces with good lighting.
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Have children draw a face on the
outside of the pumpkin and have parents do the
cutting.
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Be sure to place lit pumpkins well
away from anything that can burn and far enough out
of way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and
yards. Do not leave lit pumpkins unattended.
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It is safest to use a flashlight or
battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. If you
use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure
children are watched at all times when candles are
lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns,
use long, fireplace style matches or a utility
lighter.
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Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe
paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other
decorations well away from all open flames and heat
sources, including light bulbs, and heaters.
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Remember to keep exits clear of
decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
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Tell children to stay away from open
flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll
if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice,
stopping immediately, dropping to the ground,
covering their face with hands, and rolling over and
over to put the flames out.)
Parents are encouraged to share these
tips with their children to ensure a safe and enjoyable
evening for the entire family.
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Novi PD
Links
Novi Police Website
Novi's Most Wanted
Novi District Court
Oakland County Sheriff
Michigan State Police
U.S. Homeland Security
America's Most Wanted
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