​Halloween Safety Tips
By Dr. McCabe, with help from the AAP

Halloween is almost here! Here are some tips to help ensure that our kids have a safe and fun holiday.

Costumes!

• Plan costumes that are bright or reflective.  Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes or bags to ensure greater visibility
• make sure shoes are well-fitting and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame
• Masks can block eyesight.  Consider costume make-up or decorative hats instead.  Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding into eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, look for labels indicating that they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is part of your child’s costume, make sure they are not too long.  A child could easily hurt himself if he trips on these items.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their chaperones.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and prescription from an eye professional.  Improperly fitting lenses can cause pain, inflammation, infection, and serious vision damage.

Pumpkins!

• Small children should never carve pumpkins.  They can draw on pumpkins with markers; leave the carving to adults.
• Consider using a flashlight or glow-stick to light your pumpkin.  If you do use a candle, votive candles are the safest.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a steady surface, away from curtains or any flammable objects.  They should never be left unattended.

Trick or Treating!

• Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
• If older children are going alone, plan an acceptable route and a time they should return home.  
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.  Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or get lost
• Remain on well lit streets and always use sidewalks.  If a sidewalk is unavailable, walk at the far edge of the road facing traffic.  Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Don’t assume the right of way.  Many motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.  Just because one car stops does not mean all will.

Healthy Halloween?

• A good meal prior to parties or trick or treating may help deter children from gorging on Halloween candy
• Postpone candy eating until children are home to sort and check treats.  Tampering is rare, but a responsible adult should still closely examine all treats and throw away any that are unwrapped or suspicious
• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

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