Tips for safe, happy Halloween
The American Academy of Pediatrics offer many excellent suggestions for keeping our kiddies safe on Halloween as the little goblins, ghosties and gremlins go forth in search of candies and other treats.
› Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, tangling up, or any contact with flame.
› Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-ortreat bags for greater visibility.
› Because masks can limit or block eyesight, instead try non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes, and test
makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure no unpleasant surprises on the big night.
› When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, always search out those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
› If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child’s costume, be certain it isn’t sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt — and badly — by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. (Several years ago, a neighborhood child lost his eye by falling on the tip of his homemade sword. Such a tragedy to be so easily avoided.)
› Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye exam and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on lenses often makes claims such as “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining these lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. Moreover, they might cause pain and inflammation, as well as serious eye disorders and infections, all of which could lead to permanent vision loss.
› Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
So, the night of the Great Pumpkin finally arrives. Whether trick-or-treating with your own Captain Marvel or staying home to admire (and indulge) the visiting costumers, play it safe. Stick to the following recommendations for both security and pleasure.
› To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, clear off anything a child could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. This includes both yard and porch areas.
› Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs to maintain a well-lit area.
› Wet leaves or snow (though it’s rare the white stuff ever comes around these parts) should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
› Restrain pets so they don’t inadvertently jump on or bite a child; loud noises, strangers or, worse, strangers in bizarre clothing may make Rover a bit antsy.
› Too many evil or simply unpleasant people hide behind masks of respectability, so unless you personally know each and every household your child may visit, it’s better to be safe than sorry:
› A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
› Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their chaperons.
› If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that’s acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should check in and return home.
› Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat or any other reason.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most harmful to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters to:
1. Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
2. Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
3. Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
4. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
5. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
6. Never cut across yards or use alleys.
7. Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or exit-side driveways.
8. Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
9. Immediately notify law enforcement authorities if anyone sees any suspicious or unlawful activity
So for all of you — treaters and treatees alike — Happy Halloween!
Contact Ellen Phillips at ephillips at consumerwatch @timesfreepress.com