Make Sure the Only Frights this Halloween are Make-Believe!
BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIF/October 26, 2015 – Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids and adults alike, and Big Bear Fire Department wants to make sure that the only frights experienced this Halloween are make-believe! Costumes, decorations and traveling can become dangerous during this night filled with revelry as scamps and super heroes roam the streets. Big Bear Fire Department recommends residents, and visitors, follow some simple tips to keep the holiday safe.
Costumes can be dangerous if not chosen wisely:
- When purchasing costumes and masks, make sure they are flame-retardant or flame-proof with reflective elements on them.
- Masks should allow full vision. If possible, choose face paint and makeup instead.
- Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls.
If a child is carrying an item such as a sword or stick, keep it short and not too sharp, in case the child should stumble and fall.
While trick-or-treating:
- Children under 12 years of age should always have adult supervision.
- If children are mature enough to be on their own, remind them of their boundaries.
- Encourage them to stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks to help them to be seen by drivers.
Travel extra safely on Halloween:
According to Safe Kids Worldwide™, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
- Slow down and be especially alert. Children can jump out at unexpected moments.
- Take extra time to look for children crossing driveways and intersections.
- Encourage children to stay on sidewalks and paths. If there is no sidewalk, walk facingtraffic and use traffic signals and crosswalks whenever possible.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of a vehicle.
Prepare your home for the arrival of trick-or-treaters:
- Remove tripping hazards and debris from outside your home.
- Have a well-lit yard and replace burned-out light bulbs.
- Restrain pets. They can be an unexpected threat to trick-or-treaters.
- Use battery operated candles for pumpkins. If real candles are used, pumpkins should be placed on something sturdy, away from flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.
Watch the sweets and treats:
- If children have a good meal before they set out for trick-or-treating, they will be less likely to fill up on candy while they are filling up their bags.
- Check all treats carefully before eating them and throw away any unwrapped or suspicious items.
Big Bear Lake’s Halloween in the Village is a unique experience for kids to be able to wander through the Village and collect candy in a fun and safe environment. If children choose to explore beyond the security of the Village, keep them from harm’s way. Know where they are going and be sure they know when they are expected to return.
For additional information on this or other fire and life safety topics, contact Big Bear Fire Department at www.bigbearfire.org or (909) 866-7566.
Helpful Links:
- Center for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/
- American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx
About Big Bear Fire Department:
Big Bear Fire Authority was formed under a Joint Powers Agreement in 2012 combining Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District and Big Bear City Fire Department, now commonly known as Big Bear Fire Department. Since its inception, it is committed is to providing Big Bear Valley with professional fire, medical and emergency services “Protecting Lives and Property,” with timely response to fire and medical emergencies.
Contact: Dawn Marschinke
Big Bear Fire Department
41090 Big Bear Blvd.
P.O. Box 2830
Big Bear Lake, Calif. 92315
Phone: 909-866-7566 x224
Website: www.bigbearfire.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
