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By James Bickerton
News Reporter
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued guidance advising Americans how to stay safe over the Halloween weekend and wider fall period under the heading, “This Halloween, Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared.”
The document, published on the FEMA website on Friday, warns “seasonal changes can bring hazards that are far more frightening than ghosts and goblins” and provides advice to ensure “the only frightening things around are the ones going bump in the night.”
FEMA’s guidance comes against a backdrop of a number of western governments advising their citizens to hold a stockpile of non-perishable food and other essentials in case of an emergency, such as war or extreme weather.
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Halloween Safety
FEMA urges Americans to “watch children closely at parties and as they go door-to-door and ensure they always have adult supervision.”
People should use sidewalks, carry a flashlight and only cross streets at marked intersections. When trick-or-treating FEMA says you should “only visit homes with porch lights on and never enter a stranger’s home.”
If you have any concerns about any treats you are given you should throw them away.
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For lighting decorations, including pumpkins, FEMA advises using battery-powered candles rather than open flames and says all extension cords should be kept secure and in good condition.
Revelers are advised to wear costumes that are “easy to see in the dark” and labelled as either “flame resistant” or “flame retardant.” When making your own costume flame resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon are recommended and children wearing costumes should be kept under observation.
FEMA also suggests any “unfamiliar products,” such as makeup or paint, that go on the body should be tested 24-48 hours in advance on a small part of your arm. If this results in “a rash, redness, swelling or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied” the product shouldn’t be used.
Planning
The FEMA guidance urges Americans to “develop a plan for your family” to keep them safe in the event of emergency.
This should consider how emergency alerts will be received, where shelter is available in severe weather, what evacuation points are available, where the family can meet if they get separated, who your emergency contacts are, and how you will support any children, older or disabled adults and pets.
One suggestion if you could create or update a “preparedness kit” to support your family in an emergency.
Wildfires
To minimize the wildfire risk, associated with strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation, Americans are urged to “keep leaves and other combustible material away from buildings.” They should monitor local air quality guidance if there is smoke and be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary.
Heating and Carbon Monoxide
FEMA advises that “if you haven’t used your heater in a while, check out your equipment prior to using it."
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested and space heaters kept away from anything flammable.
Clothing
According to FEMA “freezing temperatures and autumn storms may cause unsafe travel or electrical outages.” Consequently Americans are urged to have warm clothing and blankets prepared and to only use generators “at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and vents.”
Ovens and grills should not be used to heat private homes.
Stockpile Calls
The governments of a number of western countries have advised their citizens to stockpile essentials in recent weeks in case of emergency.
The French and British governments have suggested people should have 72 hours’ worth of essential supplies.
Speaking to BBC Radio, U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I do like my beans, so I have plenty of those in the cupboard, and soup. I think those are the kind of things that I would recommend people to have.”
In a social media statement released on Tuesday the government of the French region of Normandy said: “Don't wait for the emergency: prepare now!”
Late in August the Irish government launched its “Be Emergency Ready campaign” advising people to keep a supply of non-perishable food, fresh water, medicines and warm clothing. A booklet promoting this was distributed to households in late September.
Threats highlighted by European governments include military conflict, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine, cybersecurity threats, and extreme weather.
Contact Newsweek editor on this story: Edward Pearcey.
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