Halloween Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters
Stranger Danger
Halloween can be confusing to children who have been warned repeatedly that they should never take candy from strangers. Tell them that trick-or-treating is a special event, held just once a year. Let them know that it is a safe tradition, but they must follow the rules about staying with a grown-up or teenager and letting an adult check the candy.
Remind children that the following personal safety rules apply every day of the year, including Halloween:
- A stranger is someone you don’t know
- Never go into a stranger’s car
- Never play games with a stranger
- Always go places with at least one friend
- If anyone — whether it is a stranger or someone you know — makes you feel uncomfortable, tell a grown-up immediately
October 2004 — If you ask children what they want to be for Halloween, you'll get an enthusiastic answer — sometimes two or three. While the kids plan for their costumes, take some time to plan for their safety.
Treacherous Traffic
Cars are the greatest danger facing little ghosts, goblins and cartoon characters on October 31st. Children are four times more likely to be hit by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other night of the year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Help to keep kids safe while trick-or-treating by making sure they:
- Stay with an adult or responsible teen at all times
- Stay in their own neighborhood
- Always walk, never run
- Use reflective tape on their costumes
- Carry a flashlight
- Keep to well-lighted areas
- Stay on the sidewalk
- Walk facing traffic if a sidewalk is not available
- Cross at intersections and obey traffic signals
Costume Cautions
Masks can be dangerous, but they are safer if they have large eyeholes and openings for the nose and mouth. If your children insist on masks that limit their vision, cafefully cut larger eyeholes in the masks. Face paints and creams are a good alternative to masks, although some children are sensitive, or even allergic, to make-up. Costumes and shoes should fit properly to prevent tripping. All costumes should be flame-retardant.
Hot and Humid
Halloween in South Florida sometimes brings an unexpected problem — dehydration. Humid weather combined with heavy costumes can make an active child dehydrated. Protect children from excess fluid loss by encouraging them to drink before they get thirsty. Sports drinks are often a better choice for hydration than water because they contain electrolytes and glucose.
Trick-Free Treats
Feed children dinner before trick-or-treating so they won't be hungry and tempted to snack before they return to the house. Bring candy from home for children who can't wait for a treat.
Keep in mind that some treats, including gum, peanuts, hard candy, coins and trinkets, are dangerous because kids may choke on them. Keep them away from young children.
A Safe Treat for Your Kids
Memorial Healthcare System will supply neon-orange stick-on safety strips to South Broward elementary schools in October. Children can place the strips on their costumes or goody bags to help ensure they have a safe Halloween. For more information about safety strips, call Community Relations at (954) 276-5985.