Halloween Safety
By A. Wood
Let’s face it, most kids love Halloween. When else can they dress up as their favorite character, go out after dark, and demand candy in lieu of a “trick”? From wholesome fall festivals to walking neighborhoods looking for sweet treats, families have their own unique ways of celebrating. However much fun, there is a flipside to the frivolous freedom children enjoy on Halloween. Real danger, or the potential for an accident, could be lurking around the corner. With this in mind, we have put together some safety tips. Read, plan, and have a great time!
Costumes
-Choose close fitting, flame retardant clothing.
-Add reflective tape, glow sticks, and a flashlight to their ensemble.
-Wear well-fitting shoes.
-Avoid masks that impede vision. (consider cosmetics instead)
-Refrain from sending play weapons, especially if the child is going to school, daycare, or other social activities.
*Note: Paulding County schools do not allow Halloween costumes on their premises.
Location
-Discuss traffic safety basics ahead of time including walking on sidewalks (or the left side of the street), never darting between parked cars, and how to cross streets.
-Remind that strangers are still strangers, and discuss how to handle “don’t knows” and “kind of knows”.
-Plan your activities in advance. There are indoor trick-or-treats in malls, church sponsored fall festivals and trunk-or-treats, community festivals, and the traditional ‘walk the neighborhood” option.
-Approach houses only if you know the occupants and their outside lights are on.
-Don’t approach animals. They’re probably on edge.
-Consider joining with other families to walk your route. The more parents watching (and holding hands with wee ones) the safer it will be.
-Help children to avoid dangerously placed jack-o-lanterns and torches that could be fire hazards.
Candy
-Provide a reasonable sized bag for the child to carry. (take along a plastic bag to dump excess candy into)
-Let your child know that he/she is not to open candy before your have examined it.
-Check the candy in a well-lit area.
Halloween and Food Allergy Awareness
According to recent data, 2.2 million school-aged children have food allergies. Some are severe enough to cause anaphylactic reactions (including inability to breathe, swelling, and even death) by simply touching an offending food.
-Don’t offer home-baked goodies to children without parent approval.
-Choose candy that does not contain common allergens such as nuts and eggs. Safer examples are: Smarties, Starbursts, and Spangler’s Dum Dums
-Never distribute candy that has come out of the wrapper. Parents of allergic children need to be able to check the candy before there is skin contact.
A. Wood is a local author who traded in a successful corporate leadership career to stay home with her three children. She is now a freelance writer with a passion for consumer advocacy, recreational activities, and children’s issues. She hold a Bachelor’s in Spanish, a Master’s in Organizational Management, and a Project Management certification.