Safety First: Handy Tips For A Happy Halloween

Costumes, parties and candy - what's not to love about Halloween? Unfortunately, dangers do lurk this time of year, and staying aware is important for enjoying a safe holiday.

"Something as simple as an ill-fitting costume can cause accidents that could ruin what should be a really fun time for children and adults," said pediatrician Dr. Kristen DeMarcoof Madeira Pediatrics.

She and Dr. Heather Mittigagathered some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Safe Kids Worldwide to share for a safe holiday.

Dress For Success

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping. Consider adding reflective material 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. Test makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin on arm to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises. Remove makeup before bed to avoid skin and eye irritation.
• If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or long, but rather short and flexible.
• Buy only costumes labeled "flame-retardant." If you are making your own costume, use nylon or polyester materials, which are flame-retardant.
• 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.
• Put a nametag - with your phone number - on your children's costumes.

Pumpkin Carving Safety

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, and then parents can do the cutting. Consider washable paint, and let them do the whole project!
• Clean up the mess. Pumpkin flesh is slippery and can cause falls and injuries when dropped on the floor. Layer newspaper or old cloths under your carving workspace and clean up spills right away so no one slips or trips.
• Skip the candles, which may cause fires. Instead, use a glow stick, flashlight or flameless candle to safely illuminate your work of art!

Home Safe Home

• Remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, decorations or wet leaves.
• 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 children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time they should return home.
• Go only to homes with a porch light on. Never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween. On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed on Halloween than any other day of the year. Children should know these rules:
• Review how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
• Stay in a group and communicate where they are going.
• Carry a cellphone for quick communication. Be sure they know your phone number.
• 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.

Gobbling The Goodies

• Provide children a healthy meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating to discourage overeating Halloween treats. Be sure they still get fruits and vegetables prior to the candy bonanza!
• Consider purchasing non-candy treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books, pens and pencils, stickers, erasers, and sealed packages of raisins and dried fruits.
• 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.
• Know how much candy your kids have collected and store it somewhere other than their bedrooms.
• Consider a "candy swap" for something the child wants in exchange for weeks of unhealthy candy.