Safety First: Keep the tricks out of fall festivals and Trunk or Treats

A few simple precautions can go a long way to ensure costumed children remain safe and healthy during fall festivals and Trunk or Treats. Hendrick Health shares a few tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Costumes

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. If needed, add reflective tape or striping to the outfits and bags for greater visibility.
• Check the fit of hats, head coverings and masks to ensure eyes are not covered.
• Look for costumes, wigs and accessories marked “flame resistant.”
• Make sure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
• Avoid swords, canes and other long, sharp accessories. These items can cause injury during a trip or fall.
• Do not use decorative contact lens without an examination and prescription from an eye care professional.

Walking and Crossing Streets

• Always accompany children, and walk only in well-lit areas. If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Cross the street at crosswalks or other designated areas. Never cross the street between cars or out of driveways. Motorists may have trouble seeing pedestrians.

Healthy Treats

• Offer nonedible goodies, such as glow sticks, bubbles, spider rings, stickers and pencils. Food Allergy Research and Education promotes placing a teal pumpkin on the porch with nonfood trinkets as an option for children with food allergies.
• Examine all candy and discard any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• To discourage filling up on candy and other sweets, feed children a good meal prior to the fall festival or holiday party.

Pumpkins

• Do not let small children carve pumpkins. Instead, let them use a marker to draw the design on the pumpkin.
• Light the pumpkin with a glow stick, battery-powered tea light or flashlight instead of a candle.
• Place pumpkins off the walking path to guard against tripping. Never leave lighted pumpkins unattended.

For more information on staying safe, visit Halloween Health & Safety Tips - HealthyChildren.org.