How to Avoid Safety Scares this Halloween

By Ashley Joyce

rapunzel Halloween is a magical time as children dress up to be whatever they can imagine. While your little vampire, princess, or superhero prepares to gather all the candy possible, consider how to make this spooky night spectacular and avoid mishaps.

“Trick-or-treating is what my kids are most looking forward to this year, as I’m sure most kids are,” said Laura Romano, D.O., a hospitalist at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth. “However, as a mom and a pediatrician, I know that there are things that we need to do to keep our kids safe this holiday!”

Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention coordinator at Cook Children’s, also emphasizes the importance of safety.

“We worry about kids tripping and falling as they run in their costumes, but mainly that they may be hit by a car as they are out trick or treating,” Evans said. “Twice as many kids are struck by a car on Halloween than on any other day, so it’s vital you are not distracted while you’re driving.”

Ramon L. Kinloch, M.D., a pediatrician at Cook Children's Pediatrics Forest Park, says this is his favorite time of year.

“I’ve always enjoyed decorating, dressing up and trick-or- treating, but what makes it extra special, is the fact that both my wife and I get to celebrate our birthdays,” Dr. Kinloch said. “She’s a Halloween baby!”

Dr. Kinloch, Dr. Romano and Evans shared a few tips for families to consider before heading out with their little trick-or-treaters.

Tips for Street and Traffic Safety

Stay on sidewalks when possible. When on the street, walk facing traffic.
When crossing the street, only cross at corners. Look left, look right, and then look left again for any cars before crossing. Never assume the vehicle is going to stop. Do not run across the street!
If you are driving, please drive slowly in residential neighborhoods. Be careful when pulling out of your driveway and making turns at intersections. Turn your headlights on.

Tips for Responsible Supervision for Younger Children

Parents and caregivers need to actively supervise their children. This means no phones, socializing, or drinking. Carry flashlights and be aware of your surroundings.
Parents and caregivers need to be within arm’s reach of their child at all times. Hold hands when crossing the street.
Consider putting a nametag with your home phone number on the inside of the child’s costume in case they get lost.
Accompany very young children to the door to help with picking candy.

Tips for Teenagers

Trick-or-treat in large groups, not alone. Only visit houses with porch lights on and never to go inside a house.
Remember to follow pedestrian safety tips. Carry a flashlight or be sure to place reflectors on your costume. Stay off cell phones while walking across the street.
Parents and caregivers, make sure you know the exact route your teenager will be going and how long they’ll be gone. If they don’t have a cell phone, let them borrow one. Arrange times to check in with your teenager.
If your teenager will be driving, encourage them to drive very slowly and watch out for children. Consider picking up and dropping off your teen.

Candy Inspection and Allergy Tips

Inspect all candies before your child eats them.
If your child has an allergy, be extra cautious to read labels for the presence of anything that may be a trigger for your child. If you’re unsure, discard the item—better safe than sorry!
Look out for food allergens like peanuts or candies that are made in nut-containing facilities.
Some candies and gums can be choking hazards for your little ones depending on their age and development.
Look for candy that may have been tampered with or candy that is potentially a “look alike” food item that might contain illicit substances like THC or CBD.

Tips for Carving a Pumpkin

Only adults should hold the carving knives.
Keep all sharp objects away from kids when carving pumpkins.
Instead of carving, allow children to use markers or paint to draw faces, or pictures, then an adult can carve the pumpkin.
Give little kids other jobs to keep them busy, like scooping out the insides or helping to clean up.
Work in a well-lit area and always have an adult supervising.
Consider the use of a battery-operated flameless candle, flashlight, or glow stick to illuminate your jack-o’-lantern.

Costume Precautions

Wear light-colored costumes that have high visibility at night. Increase visibility by adding reflective or glow-in-the-dark tape or paint to their costume or trick or treat bag.
Make sure to purchase costumes that are labeled “flame-retardant”. For any DIYers, nylon and polyester are materials that are known to be flame-retardant.
Use caution with wigs, masks or other accessories that may cover your kids’ eyes, nose and mouth making it difficult to see or breathe.
Prevent falls by avoiding ill-fitting shoes and costumes that may become tripping hazards.
Only use make-up products that are “non-toxic”. Test a small area of their skin a few days before use.
The use of colored contact lenses could lead to eye infections or injuries—stick to only prescription contact lenses!

As you prepare for a night full of fun, we wish you and your family a safe and happy Halloween!