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Halloween is a fun time, but of all the holidays, this one
has the most potential for accidental injury. Play it safe
by following this basic advice.
Wear Safe Costumes
- Halloween
customes should be light and bright so that children can be
seen by drivers.
- Even if the custome doesn’t call for it , put a few strips of reflective
tape on your child’s back and front. Or, if you can , trim
costumes and bags with reflective tape.
- Shorten overly-long skirts, capes, tails, and anything else that trails
on the ground. Little tricker-or-treaters are encouraged to glide, pounce,
and slither...but not trip over their costumes! .
- Don't allow your child to wear adult shoes-it's a tripping hazard. She'll
still be a regal princess without your high-heels.
- Masks and hats can impair a child’s vision, so secure
hats well and use face makeup instead masks.
- Kids love props, but if your child is carrying a broomstick or sword,
make sure it's made of cardboard or flexible rubber. Avoid anything with
sharp edges.
- Choose a costume that's suitable for the weather.
- Dressing up baby? Beware of loose strings and overly-warm
costumes. (A festive costume bunting makes a cute, comfy,
fuss-proof costume.
Be safe while trick-or-treating
- Children should stay on familiar streets and be accompanied
by an adult. It’s safer, even with young children,
to travel in a group.
- Plan your route ahead of time, stay on the sidewalks and
out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated
crosswalks and don’t forget Walk. no running.
- Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
- Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings
and only visit well light houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
- Carry a spare Halloween bag -- in case yours breaks or you
fill your original one.
- Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
- Don't cut across yards and stay out of back yards.
- Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
- Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
- Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure
in case your costume catches on fire.
- Never accept rides from strangers.
- Respect other people and their property.
- Be polite and say "thank you."
- Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under
bright lights.
- Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture
holes, or is homemade.
- Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may
choke on.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or
the police.
Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.
Keep your home safe
Do not allow children to use knives when helping carve the
jack-o’-lantern.
Use a pumpkin-carving kit with small saws made to cut through
the pumpkin’s heavy flesh.
Clear your sidewalk, stairs and porch so that little ones won’t
trip heading up to your door. Add lights to illuminate the
way.
Halloween Safety for food-allergic Children
Keep your Kids safe from those pesky allergies.
- Halloween holds special dangers for children with severe food allergies
or sensitivities to food dyes and other additives.
- The small candy bars passed out at this time of year may have different
ingredients than their regular-size counterparts. So even if a certain
candy is safe, the "fun size" version might not be.
- The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology warns parents of
food-allergic children to check ingredients on packages or company Web sites
to ensure there is no risk of a reaction.
- If in doubt, do not let the food-sensitive child eat the candy.
- The academy offers these tips to help families of food-allergic children
be safe at Halloween:
- Distribute safe snacks to neighbors and request that they be handed out to
your
Child.
- Work with your child's teacher to plan a school party with safe foods and
treats
Such as stickers or novelty erasers. Or pack treats from home that other
students
can give to your child.
Instead of trick-or-treating, host a party that focuses on costumes, games
and
other Halloween fun.
Teach your child to politely refuse home-baked goodies such as cookies or
cupcakes.
See More Related Articles:
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your Family's Budget
- Halloween
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to Bottle Feed Safely
- Constipation
in toddlers
- New
Born Baby Checklist
- Ovulation
And Conception
-
Putting Your Child To Bed
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