Halloween is a fun time for kids and adults alike, but it’s important to stay safe while trick-or-treating and celebrating. Here are some Halloween safety tips:

Costumes

• Choose a costume that fits well and allows you to see and move easily. Avoid long costumes that could trip you up.
• Use flame-resistant fabrics and avoid costumes with loose pieces that could get caught in things.
• If you’re wearing a mask, make sure it has eye holes that are large enough for you to see clearly.
• Add reflective tape or stickers to your costume and trick-or-treat bag so you’re more visible to drivers.
• If you’re using makeup, make sure it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
• Avoid wearing colored decorative contact lenses unless you consult with an eye care professional before to prevent eye injury.

Trick-or-treating

• Trick-or-treat with a group of friends or family members. Only visit homes with their porch lights on.
• Never go inside a stranger’s home or car.
• Be careful when crossing the street. Look both ways and only cross at crosswalks. Avoid alleys or non-lighten streets.
• Inspect all candy before eating it. Throw away any candy that looks unwrapped, damaged, or discolored. Try to wait until you get home to eat candy after it has been inspected by an adult.

Other safety tips

• Be careful when walking in the dark. Use a flashlight or glow stick to make yourself more visible to drivers.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking through unfamiliar areas.
• If you see something suspicious, report it to an adult or the police.

Drivers

• Be extra cautious when driving on Halloween night. Children are excited and may dart into the street without looking.
• Slow down and use your headlights, even during the day.
• Watch for children crossing the street and at intersections.
• Be especially careful when entering and exiting driveways and alleys.
• Here are some additional tips for parents:
• Give your kids a good meal before trick or treating.
• Accompany children under the age of 12 while trick-or-treating.
• Teach children about Halloween safety rules, such as only visiting homes with their porch lights on and never going inside a stranger’s home.
• Check children’s candy before they eat it. Throw away any candy that looks unwrapped, damaged, or discolored.
• Consider rationing the candy at home. Plan together to keep it positive and realistic.

By following these Halloween safety tips, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

This blog was written by Pediatric Associates’ Fabiana H. Izquierdo, MD FAAP

Sources:

https://www.safekids.org/halloween

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/halloween-safety-tips-costumes-candy-and-colored-contact-lenses

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/How-to-Tame-Your-Childs-Sweet-Tooth.aspx