Halloween Safety

     Ghouls and ghosts walk the earth. Vampires and werewolves plague the night. Witches and warlocks cast spells on the streets.  Halloween is a special time of the year where children get to encase themselves in the realm of the fantastic, donning a costume and pretending to be their favorite fictional character or frightening icon.  Children everywhere will be walking down the streets on October 31st, ringing doorbells and saying those three magical words that prompt adults to hand over their candy: trick-or-treat.  However, before heading out with your child to supervise their mischievous evening, bear in mind that keeping your child safe is of the utmost importance.  Statistics have shown that roughly four times as many children are injured on Halloween than any other night of the year.  Below are some tips to help keep your child safe while they enjoy their spooky evening.

Choosing the Right Costume

• Buy costumes that are bright and reflective.  If your child chooses a darker costume, add reflective tape to the back of it so they are easily visible at night.
• Make sure masks fit properly and do not impair your child’s vision or breathing.
• Use non-toxic, FDA approved face makeup as a safer alternative to a mask.  Read the directions carefully when applying and avoid placing it in areas close to the eyes and mouth.
• Purchase costumes that are flame resistant (look for the label).
• Props like fake knives, guns or swords should not appear authentic. Make sure any such items purchased are soft, flexible and safe.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping and falling.
• Secure emergency identification discreetly on costumes in case your child gets lost.

Preparing for Trick-or-Treating

• Make sure your child has a good dinner before going out.  This minimizes their sweets consumption while out and allows you to check the candy before they eat it.
• Buy fresh batteries for flashlights. Every child and adult/chaperone should carry one.
• Teach your child how to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
• If you have decided that your child is responsible enough to go out without your supervision, give them your cell phone in case they need to contact you. Also know the route they are taking.
• Discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior about Halloween.
• Agree on a specific time your child is to return home.

While Children Are Trick-or-Treating

• Always walk on sidewalks and cross the street only at corners.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Visit homes that are well-lit.
• Never go into a stranger’s house.
• Avoid open flames and candles. 
• Stay with your group and communicate where you are going.
• Do not take shortcuts through yards and alleys

Parents Greeting Trick-or-Treaters

• Make sure the outside of your home is clear of any tripping hazards or sharp objects so children don’t injure themselves on the way to your door.
• Place lit jack-o-lanterns in a visible, yet safe distance from where children will be.
• Candy distributed to children should always be commercially wrapped.
• Avoid giving out home-made goods or candy.  Other parents will not trust these items and throw them out.
• Avoid giving gum, peanuts, hard candy, or any others items that may pose a choking hazard.
• Try to offer some healthy snack alternatives to children.  They’ll be receiving plenty of sweets elsewhere.

After Trick-or-Treating

• Inspect your child’s candy thoroughly.
• Throw out any home-made or unwrapped candy or baked goods.
• Check all wrapped items for tampering, such as rips, pinholes, or discoloration. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.
• Apportion the candy so your child doesn’t overindulge themselves on it.  Too many sweets can make them sick.

Anthony Ripo
Mommy & Me Correspondent