Police, Fire Marshal Offer Halloween Safety Tips

During trick-or-treating it might be convenient to keep only your storm door locked during trick-or-treating, but it's not safe, Baltimore County police say.

That's because main doors—but not storm or screen doors doors—hinder thieves and robbers who might take advantage of well-meaning, treat-offering neighbors, according to a news release on Halloween safety.

Halloween and trick-or-treating can be dangerous in other ways.

For example, flames in carved pumpkins and outdoor lighting could ignite some costumes, according to a news release from the based in Pikesville.

Read labels before you buy costumes, wigs and decorations to be sure that they are flame resistant or flame retardant, the release states.

And keep visitors safe by using flashlights or glowsticks instead of candles to decorate walkways or yards.

The fire marshal has more Halloween safety advice:

• Keep your main door locked during trick-or-treating, even if it seems incovenient. Open the door only after you've looked through a window or through the peephole, and open it only for children and adults you know and recognize.
• Wear bright, reflective costumes and make sure they're not so long that someone will trip over them. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Teach children how and when to stop, drop and roll to extinguish flames on their clothing and body. Here are the details: Stop immediately, cover your face with your hands and roll—over and over—to put out the flames.
• Tell children to stay away from flames and other heat sources, such as space heaters.
• If kids are going to a party at someone's house, help them point out the exits in case of emergency.
• Always watch and supervise your kids as they trick-or-treat.

And, as always, do not overload outlets or extension cords, as that can cause a fire, the release states.

offer the following advice:

• Obey traffic laws
• Walk on sidewalks
• Cross at crosswalks or corners, but never between parked cars.
• Do not go into vehicles or homes, and always wait outside for treats.

Visit the Baltimore County police website for more tips.