Halloween is a favorite holiday in Henderson County, full of costumes, treats, and festive decorations. To ensure your celebration is safe, not scary, here are some essential tips for fire prevention, pedestrian safety, and safe trick-or-treating, drawing on advice from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

1. Fire and Decoration Safety

Decorations add to the ambiance, but they are often the first thing ignited in home fires. According to the NFPA, nearly half of decoration fires occur because items are placed too close to a heat source, such as a candle.

• Go Battery-Powered: Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations. Avoid open flames whenever possible.
• Check Placement: Keep all Halloween decorations, including cornstalks and dry brush, away from heat sources like light bulbs, space heaters, and lit candles.
• Choose Safe Costumes: When selecting costumes, avoid long, trailing fabrics.
• Keep Exits Clear: Do not block doorways or escape routes with decorations.
• Check Smoke Alarms: Ensure all your home’s smoke alarms are working before the night begins.

2. Pedestrian and Traffic Safety

With excited trick-or-treaters focused on candy, the risk of pedestrian-related accidents increases significantly.

For Drivers:

• Slow Down: Reduce your speed in residential areas and neighborhoods where trick-or-treating is common. Slower speeds save lives.
• Be Alert: Be extra vigilant for children and parents who may be in the street, darting out from between cars, or walking in unexpected places.
• Impaired Driving: If you plan on attending a party, always designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service, or arrange for a taxi. If you see a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.

For Pedestrians and Trick-or-Treaters:

• Increase Visibility: Use bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape to clothing and bags. Carry a flashlight or use a glow stick as part of the costume to help drivers spot you.
• Walk Safely: Follow the rules of the road. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
• Cross Smartly: Cross the street at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions—including those turning left or right—before crossing.
• Use a Buddy System: Children should always walk with a trusted adult or an older, responsible friend.

3. Costume, Candy, and Eye Safety

A great costume and a full candy haul are the goals, but a few simple checks are necessary for health and safety.

Costume & Makeup Safety

• Flame Resistance: Look for costumes labeled “flame resistant” (polyester or nylon fabrics are good choices).
• Clear Vision: Opt for makeup and hats over costume masks that can obscure your vision and make walking hazardous.
• Test Makeup: Test any makeup you plan to use on a small patch of skin 24–48 hours in advance to check for allergic reactions. Use only FDA-approved color additives for your skin, especially around the eyes.
• Avoid Illegal Contact Lenses: Never wear decorative (colored) contact lenses unless you have received an eye exam, a proper fitting, and a prescription from an eye care professional. Contact lenses are medical devices, and illegally-sold novelty lenses can cause serious eye injuries and permanent vision loss.

Candy and Treat Safety

• Inspect Before Eating: Do not allow children to eat any treats until they have been thoroughly inspected at home.
• Accept Wrapped Treats Only: Tell children to only accept and eat items that are commercially wrapped. Throw away any homemade goods, fruit, or unwrapped items unless you personally know the source.
• Check for Tampering: Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance, discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in the wrappers. Throw away anything suspicious.
• Choking Hazards: Parents of very young children should remove any potential choking hazards like gum, peanuts, and hard candies from the collection bags.

By taking these simple precautions, everyone in Henderson County can enjoy a happy, healthy, and safe Halloween night!