Halloween is supposed to be a “spooky” time of year.
But for parents, the scariest aspect of the season is the dangers their
little trick-or-treaters 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. “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:
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.
Resources
National Safety Council
National Safe Kids Campaign
