Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other sources.

ALL DRESSED UP

The Halloween costume you’ve picked out for your child may be totally adorable, but is it safe?

When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

Opt for light colors. Light colors are easier to see at night than dark ones, and use reflective tape on her outfit and bag for better visibility.

Avoid flowing robes and costumes that are easy to trip on. Long, loose outfits can also easily catch on fire if there are jack-o-lanterns on the ground.

Make sure your child has sturdy footwear and that shoes fit well. Avoid shoes without good traction.

Skip masks. Masks can obscure peripheral vision. Instead, get creative with hypoallergenic water-based face paint and decorative hats as safer alternatives.  If your child uses makeup, keep an eye out for possible skin irritation, including a rash or itching. If your child develops a rash, remove the makeup immediately and wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

Choose a hat or a wig that fits properly. You don’t want something that is too big because it will slide down over your child’s eyes.

If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.

Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

CARVING A NICHE

Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers.  Then parents can do the cutting.

Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.

Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

HOME SAFE HOME

To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.

Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.

Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps.

Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Be wary of dry ice. While dry ice is a great special effect for a party, keep small pieces of it out of individual drink glasses. Dry ice can cause frostbite if it comes in contact with the skin or mouth.

Keep candle-lit jack-o’-lanterns off doorsteps and out of the way of foot traffic. Fire hazards could be a danger to trick-or-treaters dealing with long or cumbersome costumes.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

Avoid barking dogs or other upset animals.

Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind trick-or treaters:

• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Never cross the street between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN

A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Check fruits and homemade goodies carefully.

Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

Look out for Rover’s well-being, too. Some treats, such as chocolate, can be poisonous for pets.

SOURCES: American Academy of Pediatrics, Parents magazine (c) 2009, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, American Association of Poison Control Centers

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