Make This Halloween a Safe One

Along with the arrival of autumn comes cooler evenings, leaves changing colors and, particularly for children, thoughts of Halloween. Make “trick or treat” evening safer by following these guidelines.

Costume Safety

• As you and your children create or purchase costumes, remember to read labels. Look for labels on fabrics, costumes, wigs and accessories that clearly indicate “Flame Resistant.”
• To prevent your child from stumbling on the costume, avoid costumes with baggy pant legs or sleeves or skirts that drag on the ground. Your child should be able to walk unencumbered.
• Props used as part of the costume should be flexible and easy for a child to grasp. Remember that the child may be carrying a treat bag and a flashlight so props may be too much for him to easily handle.
• Shoes should fit properly and have non-skid soles.„ Use of nontoxic makeup is preferable over a mask because the makeup does not interfere with the child’s vision. However, if a mask is worn check for adequate visibility and ventilation.
• Apply reflective tape, sequins or striping to the costume and treat bag so the trick-or-treater is easier to see in the dark.

Halloween Night

• Make arrangements for each child to eat dinner before going trick-or-treating.
• Accompany children under 12 years of age.
• Older children who trick-or-treat independently should wear a watch, travel with a group and carry a whistle or cell phone. Teach the children that three short whistles are a signal for help.
• Stay on streets that are fully illuminated. Streets with sidewalks are preferable.
• Remind children to walk, not run.
• Each child or accompanying adult should carry a flashlight to identify and avoid potholes and ditches.
• Trick-or-treat at residences that have an outside light turned on.
• Ask children to bring all treats home to be sorted and checked by an adult. Discard treats that may have been homemade or are not individually wrapped.
• Children should never consume unwrapped food or beverage items.

Trick or Treat Alternatives to Candy Collectors cards – animal or athlete photos Book markers, pencils, erasers, stickers Small toothbrush or toothpaste Small box of raisins or crackers Small bag of cheese crackers that are in shape of animals Inexpensive, small, plastic toy (car, dinosaur, animal) Gift certificate for bowling or skating These ideas aren’t just for Halloween. Use them through the year when you want to promote healthful habits by treating children to something other than candy. This helps teach children that “special treats” or “rewards” are not necessarily candy or, for that matter, food of any kind.