Halloween Safety Tips

To help us make sure kids are safe and happy as they go trick-or-treating this week, Rachel Dawkins, M.D., with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital reminds parents about Halloween safety.

What are some of the most common injuries that happen on or around Halloween?

The most common injuries we see at Halloween involve kids being hit by a car or bicycle while trick-or-treating. Make sure that your kids are obeying traffic laws as they go from house to house—many kids get so excited that they dart across the streets without looking. If you are out driving, make sure to be extra vigilant on the roads.

The Poison Control center also gets many calls about accidental ingestions of glow sticks and glow jewelry. Remind kids not to chew on or break open glow sticks. If a child does ingest some of the material inside a glow-in-the-dark product, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

What are some safety tips for parents when choosing a costume?

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape and use light colors if possible. It makes children easier to see for passing motorists.
• Think about using face paint instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Give kids a flashlight to carry to help them see and be seen.
• Make sure your child’s costume fits—this can prevent trips and falls.

Once kids head out to trick-or-treat, what should families keep in mind?

Children under 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas and go in groups. Make sure someone has a cellphone in case of emergency and a planned time to be home.

What should parents do before the candy frenzy begins?

• Inspect the candy looking for treats in original, unopened wrappers.
• Make sure none of the candy would be a choking hazard for your child.
• Think about limiting the number of pieces your child can have per day. Most kids will enjoy choosing which pieces they get to eat every day (and it will make the candy last longer!).
• Keep candy and chocolate up and away from pets.