We are closing in on the night when little goblins, pirates and princesses roam our streets seeking treats or playing tricks. Charles Jennissen, MD, director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at University of Iowa Children's Hospital, talks about a very important part of Halloween - keeping children safe.
What should families do to prepare for a safe Halloween?
Well, the first thing is to prepare your home and yard for a safe visit for trick-or-treaters. Falls cause most Halloween injuries you should remove all breakable items and obstacles such as tools, ladders, garden hoses, bikes, and lawn ornaments from your steps, lawn, and porch. Keep candles, including jack-o-lanterns lit with candles, away from landings or doorsteps where costumes might brush up against the flame. Wet leaves should be swept away from sidewalks and steps. Also, make certain all outside lights are on and burned-out bulbs are replaced.
What types of costumes or disguises are the better choices for children?
Visibility is key--visibility of the costume to motor vehicle drivers and visibility of the child to be able to see potential dangers. Costumes that are bright colored are better, but visibility of any trick-or-treater can be improved with the use of retroreflective tape and stickers on Halloween costumes and on their bags. Families should avoid cumbersome costumes and blinding masks. Face-paints or cosmetics applied to the face are always preferable to the use of masks. However, if a mask is worn, be certain it fits securely, has large enough holes for full vision, and is removed when crossing streets. Also, make certain costumes are short enough to avoid tripping.
Where should children go on their Halloween adventures?
One should restrict trick-or-treating to familiar areas and only to homes with illuminated porch or outside lights. Children should be instructed never to enter a home or an apartment building unless accompanied by an adult. Always use side-walks if possible and never cut across yards where "hidden hazards" may be lurking which could cause the child to fall.
At what age can children be allowed out on Halloween with their friends with little or no adult supervision?
The most important way to prevent injury in almost all childhood endeavors is adequate adult supervision. This is certainly true for Halloween as well. I would say that almost all children who are trick or treating require some level of supervision.
What should parents and guardians do to make sure the treats their children collect are safe?
Some parents worry about the possibility of treat tampering but, fortunately, this is a very uncommon occurrence. Still, it is best for children not to eat any treats before they can be inspected for any possible tampering and checked that all packaging is safely sealed. Any fruits need to be carefully inspected for punctures or holes, and then washed and cut open before allowing a child to eat them.
What are the most important factors about Halloween safety you most want parents to keep in mind?
The most serious injuries related to Halloween are trick-or-treaters being hit by motor vehicles. All children need to be reminded of safe pedestrian rules. But most importantly, all drivers who are on the road on Halloween must drive particularly cautious and be wary of the little ghosts and goblins out there. |
