Halloween Safety-Setting the Scene

Every child learns at an early age that October brings Halloween and Halloween means Trick-or-Treating.  Next to Christmas, Halloween is probably the most popular ‘holiday’ to a child.  So, what does a parent have to do to keep the squeals of laughter from turning into howls of pain?  A few basic safety tips might make the difference between a night of anticipation and a visit to the chamber-of-horrors:  the emergency room.

Halloween thrives on darkness so shedding light on the scene is a kill joy. However, little beggars need the reassurance that their treat isn’t going to turn into an unsuspecting trick. Make sure your child carries a flashlight or glow stick. Adults who offer goodies need to keep their porch lights on. Paths that are difficult to walk should have solar lights that will make travel a safer experience.

Choose a flame retardant costume. Whether store bought or homemade, choose a fabric or other material that will not ignite at the drop of a spark. If your child is constructing his own creation, adult supervision is important, especially when handling paints or other chemicals, as well as sharp tools.

Have your child try on the finished product checking for strings, ropes or wires that may trip or choke. This includes checking the costume’s hem length. Avoid costumes that are so long they can be stepped on, consequently knocking your child down.

Makeup may enhance a costume but, not every child’s skin can handle chemicals that are added to face makeup. Before the big day, use the makeup in an inconspicuous place to test for an allergic reaction. If a red mark or rash appears discontinue its use.

One final word about costume wear: masks. Masks that are bought are generic in size. Manufactures don’t care if your child is a giant for her age or a tiny tot. Their job is to sell as many as possible during the short season of masquerade. So, test the mask on the face allowing for ample eye space; inspect the elastic to see that it will last securely through the evening activities and make sure any headgear does not slip causing a distraction to your child.

For some adults, Halloween is an expression of their own childhood memories and ghoulish creations. When it comes to decorating, their houses are decked out like the Griswold’s home at Christmas. Bats hang; ghosts fly, and coffins blast warnings to passersby. Keep wires and strings safely secured so they do not trip the little goblins searching for goodies. Brush leaves from sidewalks and porches. Bicycles, toys and other obstacles should be removed from the front yard.

Make sure your family pet is secured in an area that will not frighten the spooks coming to call. Likewise, by keeping Fido at home during the festivities, there’ll be no chance that your mutt will leave an unsightly package that might be stepped on. If you must walk your dog keep him on a secure leash.

Young children need adult accompaniment. If your older child is ready to ditch your escort make sure he follows one of the cardinal rules of trick-or-treat safety-going with a buddy. Not only is it safer, but it’s a heck of a lot more fun. Travelling in two’s is a safe habit no matter what activity is celebrated. Should anything happen to one, the other can fetch help.

Give your child or preteen a time limit. Ideally, it is best to do Halloween begging while it is still light out. But, once the sun has set it is not smart to stay out in the streets into the late evening. In general, the dark brings out the vampires so, anyone out scoping for treats at that time increases his chances to fall prey to attacks.

Be smart: keep a few essentials handy when you take the late autumn walk. A little preparation can quickly fix an unfortunate spill. Band-aids, for minor cuts or scrapes; extra treat bags for an overflow or break; and cell phones for all other emergencies are some items to consider.

Remind children to avoid eating open candy and as a safety precaution, to bring the bags of candy home for examination before consumption. Many police departments encourage a stop by to scan the loot for any metal or other unwanted items that have tainted the goodies. If you suspect a problem with any candy bring it to the authorities for further investigation.

Remember: home and neighborhood safety is imperative to ensure a fun Halloween.

Don’t let your treats turn into tricks. Be smart…stay safe!