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Autumn Safety Tips
 The Monclova Township Fire Department has outlined several Halloween
safety tips and encourage residents to use these tips and common sense
to ensure a safe night for themselves, their children and fellow
Monclovians.
"Halloween is a fun night, especially for young children", said Monclova
Township Fire Chief Kevin Bernhard, "but it can also be one of the most
dangerous if certain precautions are not taken. We want to make sure everyone has a safe
and enjoyable Halloween this year, and these tips will help in that regard."
BEFORE HALLOWEEN
* Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective striping or tape to costumes or
trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
* Make sure shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact
with flame.
* A mask can limit or block eyesight, so consider non-toxic or hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative
hat as a safe alternative.
* Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and escorts.
* Use only battery powered lanterns or chemical light sticks (glow sticks) in place of candles in
decorations and costumes.
* Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots,
low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from
house to house.
BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN
* Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special
effects and do not block exit doors.
* While children can help with the fun of decorating a Jack O'Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
* Always keep Jack O'Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable
materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
* Agree on a specific time when trick-or-treaters will be home.
* Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout neighborhoods.
* Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare pets for a night of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all
cats and dogs are wearing collars and identification tags.
WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING
* A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
* Use a flashlight to see and be seen.
* Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
* Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
* Never cut across yards and alleys.
* Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
* Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
* No treats are to be eaten until they are checked by an adult at home.
* Remain on well lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING
* Wait until children are home to check and sort treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult
should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
* The Lucas County Sheriff's Department offers candy x-raying at Lucas County Justice Center, 1600
block of Spielbush Avenue. Call 419-213-4147, Major John Tharp for more details about their program.
* Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies) are
given only to those of an appropriate age.
Copyright MTFD/publications/10.4.07/ksk
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Monclova Township Administrative Offices
4335 Albon Road -- Monclova, OH 43542
(419) 865-7862
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