Loss Prevention Hot Topics

Tricks, Treats, and Safety Tips

Halloween creates an exciting buzz among kids of all ages. Dressing up, sugar highs, and staying out after dark are all a part of what makes the holiday so fun. With Halloween right around the corner, it is important to take necessary precautions to keep students, staff, and property safely protected.

Halloween Décor

• In the classroom, no more than 20% of any wall shall be covered with flammable material.
• In corridors, flammable material should cover a maximum of 4 x 8 foot sections of wall and these sections should have at least 50 feet of space between them.
• Proper ladders should be used to reach difficult-to-reach areas instead of chairs or desks, and students should not be allowed on ladders if assisting.
• Flammable material should not be hung from ceilings, whether permanently or temporarily.
• Candles and other open flame décor are against fire code and pose serious hazards. Open flames are only permissible in science and vocational labs and only for educational purposes.

Costume Safety on Campus

• Pin up or adjust costumes that drag on the ground. Replace shoes that are difficult to walk in or don’t fit properly. Both present slip and trip dangers.
• Costume props should be school appropriate. Swords, knives, guns, whips, bats, large sticks, needles, brooms, and handcuffs are all examples of potentially dangerous props.
• Masks and face paint can easily conceal identity. Be aware of unauthorized or unfamiliar people on campus and make sure visitors follow check-in policies.
• Masks can also obscure the wearer’s vision, creating a trip and fall hazard or blinding them to dangers outside their central vision. Be sure to adjust masks so the wearer can see well.

Road Safety

• Drive with caution and be sure to obey all traffic signals.
• Drive slower in residential neighborhoods and keep headlights on to make the vehicle easily visible to others. Parking lots are a hotbed of activity and speed should be monitored to allow safe stopping distances from pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Keep a watchful eye for children and remember some costumes may be dark colored or difficult to see. Watch for children coming out from between parked cars.
• Encourage students and adult monitors to carry flashlights if out after sunset.
• Watch out for loose animals; they may be frightened, lost, or feral. Their behavior can be unpredictable, posing a potential threat to pedestrians and vehicles.

Secure Property

• Pumpkins, spray paint, and raw eggs are just a few tools of vandalism. Keep outdoor areas well lit; secure doors and windows for the night.
• Encourage employees, students, and community members to report suspicious activity and warn them about the seriousness of trespassing.
• Arrange for local law enforcement to patrol around school grounds to discourage potential vandals.

If you have any questions about this Loss Prevention Hot Topic, contact your Loss Prevention consultant.