Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children. From picking out the perfect costume to filling their trick-or-treat bags with goodies, there is plenty to look forwards to. While Halloween should be filled with fun, taking a few simple precautions can help families avoid common injuries can keep the holiday safe for everyone.
Choose a Costume with Safety in Mind
The perfect Halloween costume should be fun, comfortable and easy to move around in. Before heading out, make sure your child’s costume and shoes fit properly. Costumes that are too long or shoes that are too big can become tripping hazards.
When choosing makeup, opt for non-toxic products and consider using decorative hats instead of masks. If your child will be wearing makeup, test a small amount on their skin ahead of time to make sure it does not cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Hats and other accessories should fit securely without sliding over the eyes or interfering with your child’s vision.
It’s also important to think about visibility. Bright and reflective costumes can help children stand out to drivers after dark. Consider adding reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark elements to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Families should also look for costumes labeled “Flame resistant” and avoid accessories such as long swords, canes or sticks that could cause injuries.
Decorative contact lenses may complete a costume, but they should never be purchased or worn without an eye-care professional. Improperly fitted decorative lenses can cause serious eye injuries and permanent vision problems.
Trick-or-Treating Safety Starts Before You Leave
Before children head out for the evening, take a few minutes to talk about street safety. Children should use sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk along the roadway facing traffic. When crossing the street, look both ways and use a crosswalk whenever possible.
Children should never cross between parked cars or walk through yards and alleys to get from house to house. These areas can make it difficult for children to see approaching vehicles and for drivers to see children.
Young children should always trick-or-treat with a trusted adult. Older children who are going with friends should have planned routes, stay together as a group and have specific time to return home. A flashlight can also make a big difference once the sun goes down.
Before the Treats Are Enjoyed
After a successful night of trick-or-treating, children may be eager to dig into their candy. Before they do, however, an adult should take a few minutes to look over the treats.
Check for loose candy, open packages, choking hazards or anything that appears unusual. Treats with unfamiliar brand names or damaged packaging should be discarded. Families should be mindful of food allergies and make sure children know which treats are safe for them to eat.
For children with food allergies, offering non-food treats such as stickers, pencils, erasers or small toys can be a fun alternative.
Don’t Let Germs Crash the Halloween Party!
Halloween involves plenty of touching- from doorbells and doors to candy bowls, decorations and toys. With so many hands and surfaces involved, good hand hygiene is an important part of staying healthy during the holiday.
Encouraging children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after returning home from trick-or-treating. Hands should also be washed after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing, blowing the nose, playing outside or touching animals.
When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer can be a convenient option. Choose an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol and rub it over all surfaces of the hands until they are completely dry. Remember that sanitizer should be supervised with young children and is not a substitute for soap and water when hands are visibly dirty.
Make Your Home Safe for Trick-or-Treaters
Safety doesn’t stop when you turn on your porch light. If you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters to your home, make sure visitors have a clear, well-lit path to your door.
Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps and remove anything that could cause someone to trip. Garden hoses, extension cords and other obstacles should be moved away from walkways. When decorating with jack-o’-lanterns, consider using battery operated candles instead of open flame to reduce the risk of fire. And don’t forget about your four-legged family members! Keeping pets confided and away from the front door can help prevent frightened pets from escaping or accidentally hurting a visitor. The constant doorbells and arrival of unfamiliar people can be stressful for animals, even those who are normally friendly.
Halloween is a wonderful opportunity for families to make memories together. By choosing safe costumes, practicing street safety, checking treats, keeping walkways clear and making hand hygiene part of the evening, families can focus on what Halloween is really about-fun, laughter and making memories together.