Spooky Season is Here! Have Fun and Be Safe

Halloween is a time for spooky thrills and imagination. But the holiday can bring some extra risks for children and teens. Did you know that child pedestrianinjuries go up on Halloween more than any other time of year! So Trick-or-Treat safely this year with these safety tips from HealthyChildren.org.  ​

Halloween street smarts

• Always accompany young children when trick-or-treating
• Know your older children's route before they head out and give them a specific time to be home.
• Use flashlights to light the way.
• Talk with kids about the risk of distracted walking. 
• Cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. 
• Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. A message to parents of teen drivers

Stranger danger & tricky people

• Older children should travel in groups and create a "buddy system" to get each other home safely.
• Caution kids to never enter a home or car for a treat. 
• Review with your child how to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number.

Prepare your home for trick-or-treaters

• Remove tripping hazards for trick-or-treaters.
• Light up your pathway so kids can see.
• Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps to prevent anyone from slipping on them.
• Restrain pets so they do not jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
• Teach your child never to pet a dog without asking permission first. Learn dog bite prevention tips here.

Costume safety tips

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective for better visibility.
• Make sure that shoes and costumes fit well to prevent tripping or getting caught on objects or accidentally coming into contact with a firepit or candles.
• Look for "flame resistant" on the costume labels. 
• Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes and blocking vision.
• Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks. 
• Avoid any sharp or long swords, canes or sticks as a costume accessory. 

Pumpkins & decorating safety

• Never allow small children to carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Parents can do the cutting and then let little ones clean out the inside pulp and seeds. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand offers safe pumpkin carving tips.
• Consider using a battery-operated flameless candle, flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your jack-o'-lantern. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
• Do not place candlelit pumpkins on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. They should never be left unattended.

Information from www.HealthyChildren.org  Learn more at Halloween Safety

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