Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween is an exciting time of
year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips
from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
ALL DRESSED UP:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure
that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent
tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes
and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
- Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider
non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should
fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look
for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame
resistant.
- If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's
costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt
by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all
children and their escorts.
- Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye
examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the
packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye
specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is
both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious
eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
- Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an
emergency or become lost.
CARVING A NICHE:
- Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children
can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
- Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a
candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is
safest.
- Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table,
away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left
unattended.
- To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters,
parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could
trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
- Parents should check outdoor lights and replace
burned-out bulbs.
- Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or
bite a trick-or-treater.
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany
young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review
the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they
should return home.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter
a home or car for a treat.
- Because pedestrian injuries are the most common
injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters.
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be
going.
- Remember reflective tape for costumes and
trick-or-treat bags.
- Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of
the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group in established
crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked
cars or out driveways.
- Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have
trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean
others will!
- Law enforcement authorities should be notified
immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
- A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will
discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
- Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit
your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats.
Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all
treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.
©2013 American Academy of
Pediatrics
