Tricks for Halloween Safety

Halloween can be frightful for parents who are trying to keep their little goblins safe during this season. Below are safety tips for a safe and fun-filled Halloween.

Before Halloween

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping or contact with flame.

• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and bags for greater visibility.

• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within costumes.

• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.

• When shopping for costumes, wigs, and accessories, look for and purchase only those that have a label indicating they are flame resistant.

• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.

• Review with your children the “Stop-Drop-Roll” principle should their clothes catch on fire.

• Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.

• Take efforts to eliminate tripping or other hazards on your porch and around your property.

Halloween – Prior to Trick-or-Treating

• A good, nutritious dinner before heading out can help children avoid filling up on candy while they trick-or-treat.

• Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.

• Always keep jack o’lanterns away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children will be standing or walking.

• Plan and review with your children the route and behavior that is acceptable to you.

• Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.

• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.

Halloween – When Trick-or-Treating

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

• Remind trick trick-or-treaters:

o By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.

o Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.

o Only go to homes with porch lights on.

o Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

o If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys.

o Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.

o Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.

o Always walk. Never run across a street.

o Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.

o No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.

Halloween -- After Trick-or Treating

• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and discard any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

• Try to divide up treats for the days following Halloween.

• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies) are given only to those of an appropriate age.

It is important to remember that Halloween unofficially kicks off the holiday and cold weather seasons which are prime times for illnesses among children and teens -- and ultimately visits to the doctor. Penn Highlands Healthcare provides Pediatric and Family Medicine clinics in convenient locations throughout Pennsylvania. It is important to note that you do not need to be sick to see your physician. Penn Highlands physicians and providers are there for routine check-ups, such as sports physicals, as well as immunizations and more. To find a provider visit, www.phhealthcare.org/findadoc.