Halloween parties

A safe and successful Halloween party is all in the planning and preparation.

First, outside, clear your walkways and driveways of any debris and make sure they are well lit.

Inside, remove trip hazards like loose rugs, low decorations and extra cords. Be sure to move any heirlooms and valuable items to a safe place. Don’t block exits, hallways or stairways with decorations.
Choose battery-operated LED candles or glow sticks instead of real flames in jack-o’-lanterns or decorations.

If you are using dry ice, handle it carefully. Keep it in a large, separate outer bowl and put your drink in a smaller inner bowl. Never let guests swallow dry ice, as it can cause severe internal damage.

Clearly mark foods containing common allergens like nuts, dairy or gluten. Keep hot foods and beverages away from the edges of tables.
If you are serving alcohol, offer plenty of nonalcoholic drinks and arrange for safe rides home if someone needs one.

If you have younger people at the party, keep track of them and make clear rules about checking with an adult before going outside. Recruit other adults to help keep track of kids and offer games and activities to keep kids busy. Have flashlights available for outdoor activities.

Keep dogs and cats in a quiet, secure room away from the front door and costumed guests to prevent stress.

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and make sure you know how to use it. Have a first-aid kit available.

When going to and from a party, drive cautiously. Children are small and not always in your line of sight, so be extra vigilant. Slow down and drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas so you will have extra stopping time. Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. They may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.

Have fun and make it a safe Halloween!

Cinda Seamon is the Community Risk Reduction & Outreach Program Coordinator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.