Halloween is known as a kid-favorite holiday full of spooky fun and lots of candy. However, it can also present many opportunities for injury, as children take to the streets in pursuit of trick-or-treat goodies.
Statistics show that roughly four times as many children aged 5-14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared with other evenings of the year. Also, injuries such as falls are a leading cause of injuries among children on Halloween.
Parents can help minimize the risk of children getting injured at Halloween by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Safety Council.
On Halloween children should:
- Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches than entering houses.
- Travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.
- Use costume plastic knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
- When walking through neighborhoods trick or treating, use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
- Cross at the corner, use crosswalks and do not cross between parked cars.
- Be sure to stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
- Wear clothing or costumes that are bright, reflective and flame retardant.
- Consider using face paint instead of masks which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Avoid wearing hats that will slide over children’s eyes.
- Avoid wearing long, baggy or loose costumes or oversized shoes to prevent tripping.
- Be reminded to look left, right and left again before crossing a street.
On Halloween parents and adults should:
- Supervise the trick or treat outing for children under age 12.
- Avoid giving choking hazards such a gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
- Parents and adults should ensure the safety of pedestrian trick or treaters.
- Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
- Drive slowly.
- Watch for children in the street and on medians.
- Exit driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.
- Have children get out of cars on the curbs side, not on the traffic side.
By following these simple tips, you and your children can have a safe and fun Halloween!
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
