Halloween
Safety Tips
Article Body
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. Hats should fit properly to prevent
them from sliding over eyes.
- 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.
- Do
not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a
prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on
decorative lenses will often
make claims such as “one size fits all,” or
“no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses
without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain,
inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to
permanent vision loss.
- Teach
children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have
an emergency or become lost.
HOME SAFE HOME:
- To
keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from
the porch and front yard 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 or snow should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain
pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
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.
- Only
go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a
treat.
- Because
pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween,
remind Trick-or-Treaters.
- Stay
in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Remember
reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Carry
a cellphone for quick communication.
- 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.
- Only
cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by
local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
- 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.
©2013 American Academy of Pediatrics
