Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is just around the corner.  Costumes, party plans and trick-or-treating routes are all in the works. Although Halloween is not technically a sport (although I bet if I looked hard enough I could find someone who says it is) safety is still important.  When kids knock on the door and yell, “trick or treat!” we’re all assuming it’s going to be a treat, not a trick.  Just like any other event, safety should always be a first priority.  Thanks to several organizations there a tons of resources out there to help you and your family have a safe and fun Halloween.  My goal here today is to summarize some of the key points for you and link you to the major groups that have published important safety recommendations.

COSTUME RECOMMENDATIONS

• Costumes should be bright or contain reflective materials; shoes should fit well
• Avoid wearing masks as they limit visibility; use non-toxic make-up or well-fitting hats instead
• Be sure costumes parts (wigs, hats, etc.) are flame resistant
• Be sure swords, sticks, canes are soft, flexible and not sharp
• Avoid wearing colored contact lenses that are not prescription, and something you normally wear

PUMPKIN CARVING RECOMMENDATIONS

• Allow small children to draw on pumpkins and have the adult do the cutting
• Consider using flashlights or glow sticks to light pumpkins instead of candles
• Never leave lit candles unattended and be sure to place on flat, sturdy surface

PREPPING YOUR HOUSE FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS

• Be sure your porch/doorway is well lit
• Area is clean, free of trip hazards and debris
• Keep your pets safely restrained

TRICK-OR-TREATING SAFELY

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Older children should stick to a pre-agreed upon route and return home at the agreed upon time
• Have a flashlight with fresh batteries
• Have a fully charged cell phone for communication; be sure children know how to access 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
• Go in groups and stay together
• Walk only on the sidewalks or in cross walks, carefully obey all pedestrian laws
• Children should be sure to make eye contact with any drivers before crossing the street (be sure they see you)
• Never enter a home or car for a treat

DRIVING SAFELY

• Exit and enter all driveways, alleys and cross walks slowly, some pedestrians may be difficult to see
• Pay extra attention to pedestrians on curbs and corners to be sure they are not darting into the street
• Drive with caution, particularly in residential neighborhoods
• The most popular trick-or-treating hours are between 5:30p – 9:30p, so take extra precautions during this time

This list is a combination of recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control, and Safe Kids Worldwide.  There is also a Spanish version of the Safe Kids Worldwide tip sheet and CDC “SAFE HALLOWEEN” mnemonic.  Each list has a slightly different focus so I encourage you to take a look at them all.  As a final reminder, at the end of the night be sure to look through the candy you’ve collected to remove any choking hazards and check for tampering.  For a healthier Halloween be sure to ration candy over several days following all the trick-or-treating fun.

In the end, Halloween should be about having fun with friends, but remember prevention is the best medicine.  So… pick out your best rubber sword, flame resistant wig and well-fitting pirate boots.  Get ready to hit the town to collect your candy booty.  Just don’t forget to pack your flashlight, your cell phone, and your route plan.  Grab your captain and meet your crew to trick-or-treat the whole night through!  

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Submitted by Heather L. Clemons, MS, MBA, ATC