Halloween Safety TipsHalloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
ALL DRESSED UP:
| · | Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. |
| · | Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. |
| · | Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. |
| · | When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating 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. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. |
| · | Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for 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. |
CARVING A NICHE:
| · | Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. |
| · | Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins. |
| · | Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended. |
HOME SAFE HOME:
| · | To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. |
| · | Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. |
| · | Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps. |
| · | Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently bite a trick-or-treater because they are frightened. |
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
| · | A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. |
| · | If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. |
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 (as recognized by local custom). |
| · | 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! |
| · | Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. |
HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:
| · | A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. |
| · | Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils. |
| · | Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. |
| · | Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween. |