Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep everyone happy and safe. To help ensure adults and children have a safe Halloween, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween Safety Tips, including the following:
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighbourhood rounds
- If older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
- Agree on a specific time children should return home
- Teach children to never enter a stranger’s home or car
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
- Tell children not to eat any treats until they return home
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
- Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
- Remove all makeup before going to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation
Most importantly, children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.