October 28, 2013

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

            It’s that time of year once again when the leaves have all fallen and they make a satisfying crunch when taking a cool, breezy late afternoon walk. Now that it is the end of October, the fun, kid-friendly holiday of Halloween is upon us! A big concern of parents around this time of year (after making sure the child’s costume allows for the possibility of a snowsuit underneath) is making sure that kids stay safe while trick-or-treating. I would say safe AND healthy, but we all know Halloween is not about health with all the candy! Read on for tips on how to keep people safe this spooky day!

            The CDC recommends the following acronym:

Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the
amount of treats you eat.

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always
WALK and don't run from house to house.
Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible
skin and eye irritation.
Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever
possible.
Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic
to stay safe.
Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at
dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

            Other tips can include making sure you plan your route before you go out. Go during daylight hours so you can see any obstacles or possible problems. Try to stick to familiar neighborhoods. Wear comfortable shoes (like sneakers). Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground. Try to find costumes that are bathroom friendly. Stay hydrated and check for signs of over-heating. Make sure kids eat before they go out. Keep track of time and, as a general rule, don’t trick-or-treat past 9 p.m.
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