Halloween 2008: Safety Tips
If there are any shrieks or
yells at Halloween, Kids Health First Pediatric Alliance recommends
that they come from the usual fun antics this time of the year. The
organization is composed of 197 pediatricians in 36 independent pediatric
practices throughout Atlanta who collaborate
on an ongoing basis to ensure that the highest quality of healthcare
is provided to infants, children and teens. In
an effort to keep Atlanta's little witches, ghosts and superheroes
safe, Kids Health First offers the following safety rules for Halloween.
- Prepare to handle any unforeseen accidents. Accompany children younger than 13, and carry a flashlight and cell phone. If you're trick-or-treating with children younger than age 7, put a sticker on them with their names, addresses and phone numbers in case they get separated and lost. For children under age 3, place sticker on their backs so they cannot pull off and accidentally leave information on the street.
- Be certain that children can be seen. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, a global organization committed to prevent accidental childhood injury, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Reflectors and bright clothing are necessary to increase visibility of children, even in residential areas.
- When choosing your children's costumes, make sure they are flame resistant, as costumes can be extremely flammable. Also, be certain costumes are roomy enough so children can dress in layers underneath them to stay warm.
- Inspect your children's accessories and avoid props with sharp edges that could harm them or others.
- Caution children about drivers who might not see a young child crossing the street. When crossing the street with them, cross at crosswalks or corners rather than mid-block. If you are driving children, make sure they exit on the curb side, not on the traffic side.
- It's wise to be cautious of everyone you don't know. Approach only houses that are lit, and advise children and teenagers to never go inside anyone's home they don't know.
- Discuss safety with children in advance. Discuss topics with them such as what route you plan to take and what they should do should they become lost.
- Caution children about eating anything until it has been inspected under bright lights for possible tampering. Remove any small, hard candies young children may choke on, and discard any unpackaged items or homemade treats.
- Although you probably won't accompany your teenagers, you should set a few rules in motion before they leave the house. Implement a curfew and ensure that they stay in groups and carry a flashlight and cell phone in case they encounter any problems.
- Consider giving goblins healthy food alternatives to candy, like prepackaged mini boxes of raisins. Children will be inundated with sweets, too many of which can be bad for their teeth and health.
- Consider the safety of children who will be visiting your home. Clear your yard of anything like hoses, dog leashes, and flower pots, which can cause trips and falls. Use a battery-powered jack o'lantern instead of a real flame to prevent flowing costumes from catching fire, and keep pets inside away from front-door traffic so children won't be frightened.