BY ST. LUKE’S WOOD RIVER
Halloween is a fun holiday for the whole family. But safety should always be your top concern as little witches, zombies, and superheroes roam the neighborhood after dark. Follow these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Get ready.
• Make your home safe for trick-or-treaters. Replace outside burned-out lightbulbs, and remove anything a child could trip over such as toys, bikes, and lawn decorations.
• Place your pumpkin on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle.
• Consider giving out non-food treats, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
What to wear?
• Wear face paint or makeup instead of a mask, which can restrict vision.
• Wear a light-colored, flame-retardant costume decorated with reflective tape or stickers.
• Wear sturdy shoes that fit well to prevent trips and falls.
• If a sword, cane or stick is part of a costume, make sure it’s not sharp or long.
• Don’t use decorative contact lenses without a prescription. They can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections.
Trick-or-treating
• Only trick-or-treat in familiar areas that are well lit.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on, and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
• Review with children how to call 911 if they have an emergency or become lost.
• Walk—don’t run––and never dart out into the street.
• Cross streets at corners; use signals and crosswalks.
• Walk on sidewalks or paths, or as far to the left as possible.
• Make eye contact with drivers and watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
• If you’re driving, slow down and exercise even more caution than usual.
• If older children are going alone, plan and review their route, and agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Inspect your children’s treats before they eat them.
• Ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween.
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