Halloween Child Safety Tips

 Posted on October 21, 2019 in Uncategorized

Halloween is probably one of your kid’s favorite holidays. They get to dress up as their favorite character from this last year, have fun with friends, and get plenty of candy. However, if you have children who love to trick or treat, you should start planning for the big night a few days ahead of time. Even though you may not have their costumes ready yet, it is never too early to start planning for safety. There are several aspects of Halloween fun that can lead to personal injuries, but these can be minimized by following some important steps.

Carving that Pumpkin

Pumpkin carving can be a great family activity, but it also involves sharp tools.

• Small children should never be allowed to carve the pumpkin.
• Children can draw faces and shapes on the pumpkins with markers, but adults should do the carving.
• Do not let children light the candles inside the pumpkin. Consider using a flashlight inside instead.
• Keep pumpkins lit with candles on steady surfaces and away from anything flammable.

Preparing the Costume

While your kids will want their costumes to look scary or awesome, you also need to consider what it takes to make it safe.

• Costumes should be made with lighter colors and include reflective aspects. Reflective tape can be purchased at most stores and is easily added to costumes and candy bags.
• Make sure the costumes are not too long because they can become tripping hazards.
• Does your child need a mask? Masks can limit visibility, and you should consider using non-toxic makeup or decorative hats instead.
• Make sure all of the costumes and wigs you choose are flame resistant.
• If the costume includes swords, sticks, or canes, make sure all of thee objects are not too long, not too sharp, and are flexible.
• Please do not let your kids use decorative contacts. These are almost never approved for use without a prescription, and your child could sustain serious eye injuries and infections.

The big trick or treat night

Trick or treating is the best part of Halloween, but the best night to go get candy may not be on Halloween night. Check your local media for other events in your area. Many Halloween events take place at malls, churches, police and fire stations, and more. Some neighborhoods plan big events that are safe for all ages.

• Parents and guardians should always accompany younger children when trick or treating.
• Bring flashlights with new batteries for everyone trick or treating.
• If you have older children going without a parent or guardian, make sure they are going with their friends and plan their route out ahead of time. It would be a good idea for them to bring a phone with them. Consider installing a free family tracking app for the night so you can follow along with their progress at home.
• Make sure your kids know to only go to homes with the lights on and to never approach a vehicle for candy.
• Follow all pedestrian safety guidelines. Do not assume drivers know or care that it is Halloween. Look both ways before crossing the street and use marked crosswalks if they are available. Stay on well-lit streets and use sidewalks.

Candy time

Before you let your kids chow down on their bagful of candy, you should always inspect it first. If there is any candy that is opened or not in a wrapper at all, throw it away. Not only could this candy be bad and cause food poisoning, but it could be tampered with.

Also, if possible, try not to let your kids eat too much candy at once. They need some sleep and so do you after a long trick or treat night.

Child Injury? Contact Our Springfield Office

If your child is injured over the halloween festivities, either by a motor vehicle while trick-or-treating, by contaminated candy, halloween decorations, haunted house or any other type of injury, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with an attorney from our experienced team. We can help.