Review Halloween safety every year with children
Information provided by the National Safety Council
From ninjas to princesses, cheerleaders to football players, children love Halloween. Goblins, ghosts, Star Wars characters and Wonder Woman race up and down streets at night with family and friends gathering yummy treats.
Remember, kids are excited and not paying attention, so you need to be their eyes and ears and make sure they know about Halloween safety. Children are more likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Follow basic safety tips, and Halloween can be a fun and safe night for children of all ages.
– A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
– If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you. Encourage them to go with a group of kids.
– Agree on a specific time for children to return home.
– Remind your children to never enter a stranger’s home or car.
– Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
– Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
– Discard any unwrapped candy AND be aware of marijuana “goodies” that are packaged similar to well-known candy brands.
– All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
– Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
– If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks.
– When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first.
– Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
– Children and adults are reminded to put electronics down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
Safety Tips for Motorists
– Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
– Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
– At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
– Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has also compiled a list of Halloween safety tips, including do’s and don’ts. Visit www.aap.org/.
