As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the excitement of the fall season takes over Marshall County. Halloween is just around the corner, with children eagerly preparing for trick-or-treating and families looking forward to fall festivals. While this time of year is filled with fun and festive activities, it’s also a season that requires us to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety.

At Marshall County 911, our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. This is why we want to share some important reminders and safety tips to help you enjoy the season while staying safe. From trick-or-treating safety to fire prevention and making sure your kids know when and how to dial 911, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re out enjoying the festivities or simply staying warm on colder nights, these tips will help keep your family safe.

Trick-or-treating safety

Halloween is a magical time for kids, but as they head out in costumes to collect candy, safety is the number one priority. Our 911 dispatchers handle calls every year related to Halloween, from lost children to traffic accidents, and we want to help you prevent emergencies before they happen.

1. Stay Visible: As the days grow shorter, trick-or-treating often takes place after dark, and it’s crucial that children can be seen by drivers. Equip your child’s costume with reflective materials, and have them carry a flashlight or glow stick. These simple additions can make them more visible to passing vehicles and keep them safe while they walk through neighborhoods.

2. Safe Routes: Make sure your children are sticking to well-lit, familiar neighborhoods. Avoid alleys, back roads, or unfamiliar streets. Plan out the trick-or-treating route in advance, and remind your kids to stay on sidewalks and cross streets only at designated crosswalks. If your child is young, it’s important that they’re accompanied by an adult who can ensure they’re following the proper safety precautions.

3. Costume Safety: While it’s fun to get creative with costumes, make sure they don’t present safety hazards. Avoid long costumes that may cause tripping, and ensure that masks or accessories don’t obscure vision. Remind your kids that while their costumes are meant to be fun, they also need to be practical for walking and navigating safely.

4. Check Candy: Once trick-or-treating is over, it’s important for parents to inspect their children’s candy before letting them dig in. Look for any unwrapped or suspicious items, and discard anything that looks tampered with. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

5. Stranger Danger: Remind your children never to enter someone’s home or car while trick-or-treating, even if invited. Stick to knocking on doors and collecting candy from the doorstep. Teach them to always stay with their group and to alert a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Staying safe at fall festivals

and gatherings

Fall is also a time for harvest festivals, bonfires, hayrides, and other seasonal activities. While these events are fun, they can also present certain risks. Here are a few tips to ensure that your family enjoys fall festivities safely.

1. Bonfire Safety: Bonfires are a popular way to celebrate cooler weather, but they can also be dangerous if not properly managed. Always supervise children around open flames and ensure that the bonfire is a safe distance from any structures, trees, or flammable materials. Make sure there’s a water source or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.

2. Proper Clothing: With the temperatures dropping, it’s important to dress appropriately for the cooler nights. Make sure your kids are wearing layers to stay warm, especially if they’ll be outside for extended periods. Gloves, hats, and scarves can help prevent the risk of cold-related illnesses.

3. Hayride Safety: Many fall festivals offer hayrides, which can be a fun way to enjoy the season, but it’s essential to ensure that the ride is safe. Only participate in hayrides that are supervised and run by reputable organizations, and make sure that all riders are seated and following safety instructions.

4. Pet Safety: Many families bring their pets to fall festivals, but it’s important to ensure that they’re kept on a leash and away from open flames, large crowds, or unfamiliar animals. Be mindful of how your pet reacts to the excitement, and keep an eye on them to prevent any accidents.

Fire safety during the colder nights

As we head into the colder months, many families will start using their fireplaces, space heaters, and candles to stay warm and cozy. While these sources of heat and light can add a sense of warmth to your home, they also come with risks if not handled properly. At Marshall County 911, our responders are frequently sent to calls related to house fires during the fall and winter, and we want to help you prevent these types of emergencies.

1. Fireplace Safety: If you have a fireplace in your home, it’s important to have it inspected and cleaned annually. Chimneys can build up creosote, which can become a fire hazard if not removed. When using your fireplace, always use a protective screen to prevent sparks from escaping, and never leave a fire unattended. Make sure that flammable items, such as furniture, blankets, or curtains, are kept a safe distance from the fire.

2. Space Heaters: Space heaters can be a great way to heat up small areas, but they can also be a fire hazard if not used correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure the heater is placed on a flat, stable surface away from flammable objects. Never leave a space heater running when you’re not in the room, and keep children and pets away from the heater to prevent accidents.

3. Candle Safety: Candles are a popular way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere during the fall and winter months, but they can also lead to fires if not used carefully. Always place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces, and never leave them burning unattended. Blow out candles before going to bed or leaving the house, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

4. Smoke Alarms: Make sure that your home is equipped with working smoke alarms. Test them monthly, and replace the batteries at least twice a year. Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in detecting a fire and getting your family to safety.

Teach your kids how and when to dial 911

One of the most important safety lessons you can teach your children is how and when to dial 911. While we hope that emergencies never happen, it’s crucial that your kids know what to do in case of an emergency.

1. Know the Right Time to Call: Teach your kids that 911 is for emergencies only. Explain that emergencies include situations where someone is hurt, there’s a fire, or a crime is happening. It’s important that they understand not to call 911 for non-emergency situations, such as losing a toy or arguing with a sibling.

2. Memorize Information: Make sure your children know their full name, address, and phone number, as well as their parents’ names. This information is critical for 911 dispatchers to send help as quickly as possible. If your child is too young to memorize this information, keep it written down in a place they can easily access, when using the phone.

3. Stay Calm and Follow Instructions: In an emergency, it’s important for your child to stay calm and listen to the dispatcher’s instructions. Practice with your kids so they know how to speak clearly and provide the necessary information. Let them know that the dispatcher is there to help and will guide them through the process.

Preparing for the worst: What to do in an emergency

Despite our best efforts to prevent emergencies, sometimes they happen. In these situations, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself and your family. As your local 911 dispatch team, we’re here to help you through any crisis, but the first few moments are often the most critical.

1. Stay Calm: In an emergency, it’s natural to feel panicked, but staying calm can make all the difference. When calling 911, take a deep breath and try to speak as clearly as possible. The more information you can provide, the faster we can get help to you.

2. Follow Instructions: Once you’ve provided the necessary information, listen carefully to the dispatcher’s instructions. Whether it’s performing CPR, evacuating a building, or waiting for emergency responders, following these instructions can help save lives.

3. Prepare for the Arrival of Emergency Services: While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, do what you can to keep the situation under control. If it’s a fire, evacuate the building and stay a safe distance away. If someone is injured, follow the dispatcher’s instructions for providing first aid.

4. Know Your Surroundings: In an emergency, knowing your location is crucial. Make sure that your house number is clearly visible from the street, and if you’re at a large event or outdoor area, be aware of landmarks or points of reference that can help emergency responders find you quickly.

Stay safe, and enjoy the holiday season!

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Rhonda Braudis is the Marshall County

911 communications director.