Brenner Children’s Hospital and the American Academy of Pediatrics Offer safety tips for Halloween

October 1, 2003

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and we can all make sure that children have a safe holiday with the following tips from Brenner Children’s Hospital and the American Academy of Pediatrics:

  • Create a costume from fire-retardant material. If you are going to purchase a costume, buy one that is flame-resistant.
  • Make sure the costume is short enough so that children don't trip.
  • Use face paint and hats rather than masks. Loose-fitting masks with small eyeholes can obstruct a child's vision. Secure hats tightly so they don't slip over your child's eyes.
  • Children who will be trick-or-treating after dusk should have reflective tape on their costumes and carry flashlights with fresh batteries. Allow them to carry only flexible swords and other props.
  • Dress children in comfortable shoes that fit. Adult-size shoes can cause blistering or make a child trip and fall.
  • Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, then parents can do the cutting. Under parents' supervision, children ages 5 to 10 can carve with pumpkin cutters equipped with safety bars. Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
  • Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.
  • Serve kids a healthy dinner (with foods they like) before trick-or-treating, so they won't fill up on candy.
  • Offer trick-or-treaters something other than candy. Give them colorful pencils, stickers, large erasers or decorative shoelaces.
  • Set a number of days candy can remain in the house before it gets thrown out.
  • Children shouldn't snack while they're trick-or-treating. Parents should check treats at home.
  • Watch for signs of tampering, such as small pinholes in wrappers and torn or loose packages.
  • Parents of young children should get rid of choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.
  • To keep their home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
  • Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
  • Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
  • Remember that Halloween is for children of all ages, so get involved with your little ghost or goblin!

 

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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Contact: Rae Beasley, 336.716.6878.

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