For Immediate Release:
October 30, 2015

Media Contact:
Michelle Fayed

786-331-5200



MDFR’s Tricks for Making Halloween a Treat


(MIAMI, October 30, 2015) – It is that time of year again, when ghosts and goblins come out to play. The scariest part of this holiday may not be the costumes, but a scary trip to the hospital or doctor!  Here are some tips from the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR) to keep children safe so that Halloween can be a treat!

Motorists:

  • Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
  • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
  • At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parents:

  • Make sure that an adult will be supervising the outing for children.
  • Plan and discuss the route you intend to follow.
  • Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas along established routes.
  • Talk to your children about stopping only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and to never enter a stranger’s home.
  • Inspect all candy before your children eat it. Do not let children eat candy that is already open. Keep hard candy away from young children since it is a choking hazard.

Costumes and Accessories:

  • Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
  • Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. Falls are the leading cause of injury during Halloween.
  • If children will be out after dark, strips of reflective tape should be used to make them more visible.
  • Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
  • Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup.
  • All children and adults should carry a flashlight. This will help you see better and be seen more clearly.

Trick-or-treating:

  • Do not enter homes and apartments without adult supervision.
  • Walk, do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
  • Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross the street only at corners.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.


 

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FIRE RESCUE
9300 N.W. 41str Street Miami, Florida 33178
(786) 331-5000