Halloween is an exciting time of year however, as you’re out with your child trick-or-treating, it is important to remember these safety tips to keep the evening a safe and fun night.  

When it Comes to Choosing a Costume:

• Pick out costumes that are bright and reflective.  Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes or trick-or-treat bags to help with visibility
• Make sure shoes fit well and that costumes are shot enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame
• Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats rather than masks to prevent limiting or blocking eyesight.  Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.  Test out makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
• Look for wigs and accessories that are clearly labeled as flame resistant
• If a sword, cane or stick is part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long to prevent injury if your child stumbles or trips
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional.  While packaging on decorative lenses often claims “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” wearing decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal.  It can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infection, which can lead to permanent vision loss

Pumpkin Safety:

• Don’t let small children carve pumpkins.  Instead, have them draw a face with markers and then parents can do the cutting
• Instead of using a candle to light your pumpkin, try using a flashlight or glow stick instead.  If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
• Keep pumpkins lit by a candles on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by.  
• Never leave candlelit pumpkins unattended.

Home Safety:

• Remove anything a child could trip over from the porch and front yard such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations 
• Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs
• Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps
• Restrain pets to prevent them from inadvertently jumping on or biting a trick-or-treater

Things to Remember While Trick-or-Treating:

• Review with your child how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost
• Also have a parent or responsible adult accompany young children 
• Make sure children and their escorts have flashlights with fresh batteries
• Plan and review a route that is acceptable to you if your older child is going on their own
• Never enter a home or car for a treat
• Only go to homes with a porch light
• Notify law enforcement immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity
• Did you know that pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries sustained by children on Halloween?  In order to keep your child safe, remind them:
  1. Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going
  2. Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags
  3. Carry a cell phone for quick communication
  4. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk
  5. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic
  6. Never cut across yards or use alleys
  7. Only cross a street as a group in an established crosswalk.  Never cross between parked cars or driveways.
  8. 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!

Healthy Halloween Tips:

• Provide a good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating to help discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home such as: coloring books, pens or pencils
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats.  Although 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 and weeks following Halloween

Check out this great YouTube video on Halloween Safety by the AAP

Have a safe, healthy and fun Halloween!!