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Making Halloween Safer: Tips for Protecting Your Little Monsters

Monsters and aliens are not the only scary things out on October 31st. Trips and falls (or even more serious accidents) can put a damper on Halloween festivities. But a little preparation and thought can go a long way in protecting your children from harm. The following tips taken from the American Academy of Pediatrics will help you to make this Halloween a safe one for you and your family.

What to Wear: Ghosts and Ghouls and Goblins, Oh My!

Plan costumes that are bright and reflective (consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility).

Make sure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame.

Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternative to masks that can limit or block eyesight.

Look for and purchase only costumes, wigs, and accessories with labels clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

Do not buy costumes with small parts or strings that can choke or strangle smaller children.

Attach emergency identification (name, address, phone number) inside Halloween costume or on a bracelet.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

Have older children and adult escorts wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.

Pumpkin Carving and Decorating

Don’t allow small children to carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers and then an adult or older sibling can do the carving.

Supervise children aged 5 to 10 and have them carve with pumpkin cutters equipped with safety bars.

Use small votive candles for candle-lit pumpkins. Place lighted pumpkins on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave lit pumpkins unattended.

Decorating Safety Tips For Your “Haunted House”

Remove anything a child could trip over (garden hoses, toys, bikes, lawn decorations, etc.). Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Sweep wet leaves away from sidewalks and steps. Consider fire safety when decorating. Don’t overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.

The Tricks to Keeping Halloween Treat Eating Healthy

Have you child eat a good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating. This will discourage the youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home (pens, pencils, stickers, etc.).

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats—carefully examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items

Try to portion treats for the days following Halloween. Encourage sharing, but make sure items that can cause choking (like hard candies) are given only to those of an appropriate age.

The Trick-or-Treater Checklist

Remind your children that it’s important to:

Use a flashlight so they can see and be seen by others.

Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.

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 farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

Never cut across yards or use alleys.

Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.

Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.

Always walk across a street—never run.

Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.

Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway, or alley.

Follow the planned route and return home at the agreed upon time.

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.

Never eat or drink unwrapped food items that may be offered.

Notify police or other law enforcement authorities if you see any suspicious or unlawful activities.

by Skye Schulte, MS, MPH

RESOURCE:

American Academy of Pediatrics

News

SOURCES:

American Academy of Pediatrics

National Safety Council

Last reviewed October 2002 by HealthGate Editorial Staff

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Copyright © 2002 HealthGate Data Corp. All rights reserved.

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