Keeping Your Ghouls Safe on Halloween
A similar version of this article was originally posted in Oct 2020, but with alternative guidelines due to the COVID pandemic
October is one of my favorite times of the year – the Fall season is in full force, the air is turning crisp, and the holiday season is getting started. For our younger patients, the excitement of dressing up and trick-or-treating is on nearly every face I see in clinic. I love being a Pediatrician on Halloween – our patients are always surprised and excited to see us dressed up in costumes, celebrating with them.
However, throughout the holiday season, the fun comes with risks of injury that parents need to be aware of. Some of these risks are very specific to Halloween, as it is celebrated in different ways than any other holiday.
Costume safety
While it is great fun for kids to dress up as anything and everything for Halloween, there are some important safety concerns to keep in mind.
- Ensure that costumes fit well. Long hems that drag on the ground are a tripping hazard and sidewalks are not forgiving in a fall.
- Avoid obstructing vision. Many costumes come with masks or other head gear, make sure your child is easily able to see clearly while he or she is walking around.
- Look for fire-resistant costumes, wigs, and accessories. Candles and open flames are commonly used for jack-o-lanterns and other Halloween displays, and costumes can dangle over these and catch fire.
- Avoid sharp, pointy, or other dangerous props. Swords, knives, canes, and etc should be made of soft materials such as cardboard or foam.
- Use non-toxic paint for skin.
- Consider your weather – once the sun goes down in many areas it can become very cold. Dress your child in layers and bring a coat.
Street safety
Children are at the highest risk of injury and death from vehicles on Halloween compared to any other day of the year. In fact, children are twice as likely to be struck and killed by a car while walking on Halloween. Make sure your kids are street safe!
- Make sure costumes have light colors, or add reflective tape or glow sticks to clothing.
- Remind children of general street safety – look both ways before crossing the street, put electronic devices down and pay attention to surroundings, use crosswalks and sidewalks appropriately.
- A responsible adult should accompany young children when outside of the home.
- If YOU are driving on Halloween, pay close attention in neighborhoods. Slow down, watch for children at all times. Stay off of your phone while driving.
Considerations for teens
Teens will often want to attend Halloween activities without their parents. If you feel comfortable allowing this, set some ground rules for safety.
- If trick or treating, make sure your teen stays in a group. Keep to well-lit areas and have an agreed-upon route that you discuss ahead of time.
- Have a set time for your teen to come home.
- Remind your teen not to enter any unknown person’s house or car.
- Discuss what to do if your teen needs a safe ride home due to underage drinking or drug use.
Food allergies
Halloween can be a scary time for parents of children with food allergies. The Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) group has developed the Teal Pumpkin Project, which promotes food-allergy friendly activities and treats on halloween by suggesting non-food items be given out as treats. If you see a house with a teal pumpkin on the porch, the family there participates and will have options for your child.
This does not mean you should only go to houses with teal pumpkins. Your child can still safely participate in Halloween activities but you will have to be more vigilant.
- Read all labels of any food your child brings home.
- Avoid unlabeled or homemade food items.
- Do not allow your child to eat candy as they trick or treat, or bring some candy along that you know is safe for them to eat. Sort the candy as soon as you get home and remove any pieces of concern.
- Bring your child’s epinephrine auto-injector in case of accidental exposure if he or she has a life-threatening allergy.
Final thoughts
Halloween is a much beloved holiday in the United States, by children, teens, and adults alike. Halloween should be “scary” for the right reasons – ghosts and goblins and zombies – not because of safety hazards or accidents. Keep these safety tips in mind to ensure your holiday is remembered for the fun that was had, and not for anything else.
Resources
Teal Pumpkin Project:
https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project
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