Children’s Safety: Halloween

Posted October 26, 2017

During all the fun of Halloween, it is important to remember that this holiday requires some extra safety precautions. Most Halloween-related injuries can be prevented if parents supervise their children’s activities.

Costume Safety

The following are tips to help you select a safe costume for your child.

• Think safety when selecting your child’s costume; avoid long, baggy or loose-fitting costumes and shoes that may be difficult to walk in.
• Choose costumes, wigs and accessories made from fire-retardant materials.
• Select costume colors and materials that are highly visible to motorists.
• Opt for facial makeup instead of a mask that may limit a child’s vision or breathing.
• Buy makeup labeled “FDA-approved” or “non-toxic,” and remove makeup promptly to avoid allergies or adverse reactions.
• Make sure costume accessories, such as swords or magic wands, are made of flexible materials.
• Add strips of reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags to make children more visible.

Pumpkin Carving Safety

To avoid injuries while carving pumpkins, follow the tips below.

• Carve pumpkins on a flat surface with good lighting.
• Consider using a pumpkin-carving kit that includes special, easy-to-use cutting tools.
• Have children ages 5 and younger draw on the pumpkin’s face—then you do the carving.
• Light pumpkins using votive-style candles.
• Place lighted pumpkins away from flammable objects, such as curtains.
• Never leave lit pumpkins unattended.

Trick-or-treating Safety

Parents should be aware of the risks outlined below when trick-or-treating.

• Remind children to walk only on sidewalks, and to look both left and right before crossing at corners or crosswalks.
• Never let a child enter a home to receive candy or a treat unless accompanied by a parent.
• Instruct your child to visit only well-lit houses.
• Never allow children under the age of 12 to trick or treat alone. Older children should plan their routes ahead of time so their parents know where they are.
• Instruct children to never approach a car, or accept treats from a person in a car.
• Remind children to stay alert for house pets and strangers.
• Inspect your children’s candy before they eat it. Wrapped treats are the safest. Dispose of fresh fruit, unwrapped or homemade treats, or anything that looks remotely suspicious.
• Check for choking hazards, such as hard candy, gum, peanuts or small toys, before letting a small child eat his or her treats.