By Cassie Langless, NP, Chesapeake Pediatrics
From costumes and candy to pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, Halloween is a season full of excitement for kids. But amid all the fun, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Follow these tips to help you and your family have a fun and safe Halloween.
Trick-or-Treating Street Smarts
Always keep young kids close by when trick-or-treating. If you have older children who want to go alone, go over an agreed route with them in advance.
Talk with your children about the risks of distracted walking. Texting, calling, scrolling on their cell phone, or even listening to music can be dangerous while walking the streets on Halloween night.
Cross the street as a group at crosswalks. Make sure your kids know not to cross between parked cars or out of alleys and driveways, where visibility is low. Don’t assume cars will stop just because they see you.
Lastly, stay on well-lit streets, and always use the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk available, stay on the far left of the road, facing traffic. Only go to homes with a porch light on or a well-lit driveway.
Getting Your Home Ready for Trick-or-Treaters
Are you staying home and handing out candy this year? Remember to remove objects from your yard that trick-or-treaters might trip on. Keep items such as hoses, toys, and bikes out of your front yard and porch. Turn on your outdoor lights so that people can see that you have candy. Clear leaves and debris from sidewalks and steps. Make sure your pets are properly restrained if trick-or-treaters are coming to your door.
Try on These Halloween Costume Tips
Choose a costume for your child that is bright or reflective. Glow in the dark elements can also be a fun way to keep you and your kids visible at night. Make sure costumes fit well and are short enough to prevent tripping or becoming snared on objects. All costumes and accessories worn should have a “flame resistant” label.
Carve Pumpkins Safely
Do not allow small children to carve pumpkins. Let your child draw a face on the pumpkin with markers so you can take handle the carving. You can let your child clean out the pumpkin seeds and pulp from the inside. Consider using flameless LED candles instead of a regular candle, which could become a fire hazard.
Check Your Child’s Candy and Goodies
Halloween can be challenging for children with food allergies. Consider handing out non-food goodies, such as glow sticks, vampire fangs, or spider rings to help these children feel included in the fun.
Wait until your family returns home to go through your kids’ candy. Examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items.
