Halloween is supposed to be a “spooky” time of
year. But for parents, the most frightening aspect of the season is
the dangers their little ghouls and goblins can face in the pursuit
of treats.
"Even kids who know how to be safe can get
excited or careless on a night like Halloween,” said Claudia Romo,
injury prevention program manager at Children’s Medical Center
Dallas. “It’s our job as adults and parents to remind kids before they
head out for trick-or-treating what it takes to be
safe.”
Help ensure your trick-or-treater has a safe Halloween by
discussing the following health and safety tips from the American Academy
of Pediatrics:
Costume
concerns
- Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short
enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with
flames.
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider
adding reflective tape or lights to costumes and trick-or-treat bags
for greater visibility.
- Consider non-toxic makeup and
decorative hats instead of masks that may limit
vision.
- When shopping for costumes, make sure 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.
Home
safe home
- Remove anything from the porch
and front yard a child could trip over.
- Check outdoor
lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Sweep wet leaves from
sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain
pets.
The trick-or-treat trail
- A parent or
responsible adult should always accompany young
children.
- Attach contact information to costumes in case kids get
separated.
- If older children are going alone, plan and review an
acceptable route. Children should understand that they are not to
stray from the route, so parents/guardians can find them in case of
emergency. Agree on a curfew time when they should return
home.
- Give flashlights with fresh batteries to all children and
their escorts.
- Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or
their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become
lost.
Remind trick-or-treaters:
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be
going.
- Carry a mobile phone for quick communication.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on.
- 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.
- Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
- Only
cross the street as a group in established
crosswalks.
Healthy treats
- A good meal prior
to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from
filling up on sugary Halloween treats.
- Consider
purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring
books, stickers, or pens and pencils.
- Wait until
children are home to sort and check treats. Although tampering is rare,
a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw
away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Try to
ration treats in the days after Halloween.
Finally, if
your child is too scared to go trick-or-treating, don’t push
them. Staying home and watching a movie, making cookies or playing a
board game might be just the trick (or
treat).
Resources:
Children's Medical Center
Dallas
American Academy of
Pediatrics
National Safety Council
National Safe Kids
Campaign
