HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Studies show that more children (aged 5-14) are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared to all other evenings of the year and falls are the leading cause of injuries among children on Halloween.

Many Halloween-related injuries can be prevented if parents closely supervise children during trick-or-treat activities. On that big day of trick-or-treating, the worst danger you want to possibly face is your child having a stomach ache from eating too much candy!

Inspecting every treat your child receives is very important. Too many children have choked, some fatally on candy, gum, small toys, coins, etc. Others have suffered severe allergic reactions because a treat contained trace amount of nuts, etc.

Protect children from harm by following these simple, common sense Halloween safety tips:

• To significantly reduce the risk of possible danger and injury, an adult should accompany trick-or-treaters under the age 12.

 

• If you decide your child is old enough to go with friends, make sure they travel as a group, know their route of travel and establish a curfew. Alternatively, offer to just "tag along" in the distance.

 

• Children should be instructed to use the walkways rather than crossing yards, to avoid dark or deserted looking homes and to NEVER enter a house.

 

• Review pedestrian safety rules, particularly because children are not accustomed to being out after dark. Instruct children to stay on one side of the street at a time. (Criss-crossing back and forth across a street is not safe; it also takes more time - that means less Halloween treats).

 

• Well-lit streets in neighborhoods that you know provide the best trick-or-treat route. Teach your children to stay away from strangers, to refuse to approach or climb inside cars and to stay away from stray animals.

 

• Give children a flashlight to use while trick or treating. It will increase visibility and it is also a fun and exciting tool for trick or treating.

• Most apartments and condominiums only allow residents to give out candy in the front lobby. If this not the case, it is not recommended that you take your children into the building floor to floor, unless you are familiar with the building.

 

• Make sure your children understand the importance of having all candy and other treats are inspected by you. Younger children may need an adult to hold their treat bags so the temptation to taste just one piece isn't too great.

 

• When the evening is over inspect your child's loot. If anything is not wrapped, looks suspicious, torn, opened or tampered with, throw it away. Even candy that is well wrapped may pose a choking hazard. Homemade treats or fruit should only be eaten if you know the giver. If your child has food allergies, be very careful. If anything at all is questionable, throw it out.

 

• Whatever outfit your child chooses, add some reflective tape or use fluorescent or light colors to make your child more visible to motorists and other trick-or-treaters in the dark. Likewise, apply glow in the dark stickers or reflective tape to your child's trick-or-treat bag or use a fluorescent bag.

 

• Although it is funny to see your child in oversized clothing, it isn't safe. Children, even older children, can trip over costumes that are too long and that they are not accustomed to wearing. Keep all costumes above the knees to prevent tripping. Likewise, avoid clumsy footwear.

 

• The Halloween costume should be safe and should not be flammable. Look for flame-resistant labels on costumes, masks and other Halloween gear. Use flame-resistant fabric for homemade costumes.

 

• Even if costumes are flame resistant, keep your child far away from any lit jack-o'-lanterns or candles.

 

• Masks are designed to look funny or scary but they can obstruct a child's vision and can make it hard to breathe. Consider using face paint or makeup. Look for nontoxic and hypoallergenic paint or makeup instead of masks, especially for very young children. It also might be more fun most children like "face-painting".

 

• Accessories such as wands and swords should be soft and flexible not rigid or sharp.

 

• Wigs and beards shouldn't cover the eyes or mouth and make sure headgear won't slide over the child's face.