The Essential Halloween Safety Checklist

Safety tips for trick-or-treating, costumes and more.

Advertisement
 

Images from this article
javascript:void(0);
javascript:void(0);
javascript:void(0);
Image Image Image
Halloween is a time for fun and treats, but it can also be dangerous if you're not careful. Falls are a leading cause of injuries among children. Because so many of them are out walking, about four times as many children ages 5 to 14 are killed in motor-vehicle-related accidents on Halloween night compared with other nights of the year. But many Halloween-related injuries can be prevented if parents and children follow these tips from the National Safety Council, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control:

Parents designing costumes should:
Buy costumes or wigs that are labeled flame retardant or flame resistant.
Put reflective tape on the fronts and backs of kids' costumes.
Make sure children's costumes fit loosely enough to allow for freedom of movement.
Be sure that the hemline doesn't fall below the ankle (to prevent tripping).
Use knives that are made of cardboard or flexible material. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
Avoid using masks, if possible, because they obstruct a child's vision. Use face paint instead. Or, if a child really wants to wear a mask, make sure it has nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.

Children trick-or-treating should:
Travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
Walk, not run, from house to house.
Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks and avoid crossing yards.
Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult if they're under age 12.
Know their phone number and carry coins for emergency telephone calls. (Or carry a cell phone, if possible.)
Bring candy home before eating it so parents can inspect it.
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
Cross streets at the corner and use crosswalks. They shouldn't cross between parked cars.
Stop at all corners and stay together in a group while waiting to cross.
Be reminded to look left, right and left again before crossing the street.

Parents and adults at home should:
Give kids a big meal before heading out to trick-or-treat so they're not tempted to eat candy before they get home.
Establish a return time for older children.
Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns and sidewalks and by placing jack-o'-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
Avoid doling out choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys as treats to young children.
Inspect all candy for safety before children eat it. Watch for signs of tampering, such as small pinholes in wrappers and torn or loose packages.

Motorists should:
Drive slowly.
Watch for children in the street and on medians.
Enter and exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
Look for children in dark clothing once the sun goes down.

Sources: National Safety Council, American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Must Read Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story
Share Your Comments
Post a Comment
 
Remaining Character Count:
 
See All Comments

Advertisement
 
Related Topics
Related Links

Get It Through E-mail

Get info and tips you can really use!
Sign up to receive the This Week@RD newsletter.


Advertisement

Digg

Popular stories from the source site rd.com sorted by diggs
Powered by Digg's Users