Halloween Safety Tips

The day before the Feast of All Saints (or All Hallows), Halloween has its origin in ancient Celtic traditions. By taking some precautions, it can be both fun and safe for children and adults.

Here are some Halloween safety tips, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Bright and reflective costumes (you can add reflective tape) make your little trick-or-treaters visible. Also, be sure shoes and costumes fit well so they don’t trip and fall.
• Non-toxic makeup and decorative hats are alternatives to masks, which can obstruct children’s sight and limit awareness of their surroundings.
  
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and prescription from an eye care professional. Doing so can cause pain, inflammation and serious eye disorders and infections, which could lead to permanent vision loss.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 , if they have an emergency or become lost.
• Use a flashlight or glow stick if out at night.
• Clear obstructions in the front yard, walkway and porch, and make sure outdoor lighting is adequate to keep everyone safe.
• Instead of candy, consider offering non-food items such as coloring books, pens or pencils to trick-or-treaters who come to your door.
• Children should never enter someone’s home or car for a treat, and a parent or responsible adult should always accompany young trick-or-treaters.
• Wait until children have returned home to sort and check treats. Although tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and discard any suspicious items.

To find a pediatrician or other physician, visit www.chsli.org and go to “Find a Doctor”.