Halloween safety for kids

Staying safe for Halloween

Halloween is an exciting time for kids but safety still needs to come first, whether you’re carving that Jack O’Lantern or trick-or-treating after dark. Follow these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to make sure your kids have a fun, safe night of celebrating…

Safe pumpkin carving

• Don’t let young children carve pumpkins Involve them in what you’re doing by letting them draw the face on the pumpkin, but carve it yourself.
• If possible, don’t use naked flames to light your Jack O’Lantern Instead, use a small flashlight. If you don’t have a suitable flashlight, use a votive candle and position the Jack O’Lantern well away from curtains and other flammable objects.
• Never leave it unattended or lit when you’re out.

Check labels to ensure costumes, wigs and accessories are flame resistant

Safe trick or treating

• Go with your child or make sure another adult will be present if she is going with a group of local children. If your teen wants to go with friends, check the route they’re using, agree a specific time she should be home and plan for her to call you while she is out to let you know she is safe.
• Be seen at night Plan costumes that are bright and reflective – add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Avoid falls by making sure trailing costumes are short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement. Don’t let your child wear a mask or hat that limits her field of vision or carry any kind of prop, such as a sword or cane, that could trip her or another child, or hurt her if she stumbles.
• Use a flashlight to help light your route, and put fresh batteries in it before setting off.
• Give your children whistles they can blow if they become separated from you and can’t see you in the dark.
• Only visit well-lit homes and if your child is going with friends warn her not to go into anyone’s house or get into their car for a treat.
• Avoid accidents by using well-lit routes that have sidewalks (if there are no sidewalks, stick to the edge of the road and walk facing towards oncoming traffic). Cross roads at designated crossings and never cross between parked cars.

Home safe home

• Make your home safe for trick-or-treaters by clearing the driveway and front yard of anything a child could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Light the way by switching on outdoor lights.
• Don’t slip up Clear wet leaves from sidewalks, steps and driveways.
• Restrain pets so they don’t inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Healthy Halloween

• Feed them first! A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Offer non-food treats such as coloring books and crayons to children that visit your home as an alternative to candy.
• Inspect their haul Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Ration candy on the days following Halloween – and make sure those teeth are brushed after treats!

 

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