Halloween is a day full of excitement, imagination and fun frights, but it poses extra safety risks for kids and teens. Before your little hobgoblins head out for Halloween trick-or-treating, it’s important to plan ahead so they stay safe and avoid injuries.
From tips on wearing safe costumes to preventing allergic reactions to dodging stranger danger, Sanjay Mehta, DO, division chief of the Pediatric Emergency Department at CentraState Medical Center, shares his advice for avoiding hazards and keeping the holiday full of spooky magic.
“Even if your child or teen is going to a Halloween party or participating in a trunk-or-treat event, most of these tips also apply,” notes Dr. Mehta.
Costume safety
- Help your child choose a bright, well-fitting, flame-resistant costume that doesn’t drag on the ground.
- Use reflective tape if your child will be out after dark.
- No masks or hats, which can impair vision.
- Do not allow your child to carry sharp, non-flexible props.
- Test make-up for reactions to safeguard your child’s skin.
- Your child should not wear decorative contact lenses unless prescribed by a vision specialist.
Street smarts
- Children and pre-teens under 12 should be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.
- Have them carry flashlights and glow sticks for light and visibility.
- Assume that drivers cannot see trick-or-treaters. You and your children should put down your phones and watch carefully.
- Walk with your kids on sidewalks, use crosswalks, and do not let them run from house to house.
- Allow them to trick or treat only at houses where lights are on.
- Never let them go into anyone’s house or car, unless you know them well.
- Be cautious around other people’s pets; they may be frightened and act out.
Treat tips
- Have your child eat a meal or snack first so they are not tempted to eat too many treats.
- Check and open goodies before letting your child eat anything. Throw out food that is open or not packaged.
- Watch for treats that contain possible allergens.
- Be especially wary of gummies, which may be a cannabis product meant for adults.
- Consider handing out non-foods, such as pencils, stickers and comic books.
Teen extras
Before your older teen heads out on Halloween night make sure they have a plan and are aware of potential dangers.
- Make sure they create a buddy system and stay in groups.
- Map out a route with your teens; agree on check-in times and a curfew.
- Warn your older teen not to drink and drive.
- Remind your teen to drive slowly, watching for children who might dart out into traffic.
Dr. Mehta reminds parents to move quickly to take a child to an emergency department if they are having trouble breathing, choking, having an allergic reaction, are lethargic, or have sustained a cut, burn, eye injury or other serious injury.
“Halloween should be fun, but don’t wait if your child needs treatment,” states Dr. Mehta.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT CENTRASTATE
Learn more about the Emergency Department at CentraState.
