Health experts share tips for safe trick-or-treating; Halloween events, trick-or-treat times announced | News, sports, jobs

As Halloween night approaches, children from all over the area will take to the streets in search of their favorite treats.

And while it’s a relatively safe, time-honored tradition, Geisinger offers some tips to ensure trick-or-treating doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

“We strongly recommend that children under 12 are accompanied by a responsible adult, as they may be slightly more willing to jump out into the street without someone to direct them.” Deborah Erdman, outreach/injury prevention coordinator for Geisinger Health System, explained that children are twice as likely to be hit and/or killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year.”

Children and those accompanying them should always cross the intersection within designated crosswalks, look both ways and obey traffic signals, Erdman said.

“Make eye contact with drivers so drivers know what you are up to, and teach children to stay on the sidewalks or walk against traffic if a sidewalk is not available, and to watch out for cars coming could reverse or retract outside of driveways or parking lots,” she said.

Costumes should be bright, reflective, and tapered to avoid tripping over them.

“We also recommend that children carry a flashlight or some kind of glow stick so they can be seen.” Erdman said.

“And avoid wearing masks, as children’s peripheral vision is limited by masks. We therefore recommend face painting or something similar.” Erdman emphasized.

On the other hand, drivers can do their part by paying extra attention to their surroundings between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. during their community trick-or-treating evening.

“Take time for the children at intersections and zebra crossings. Be careful entering and exiting driveways and parking lots.” Erdman said.

While the story of the razor blade in the apple and other tampered candies is currently largely an urban myth, Erdman says there are some common-sense precautions parents and guardians can take to help their children safely consume their treats.

“I would avoid anything loose or open, like baked goods or fresh fruit, etc., unless you know the giver personally.” Erdman said.

With the increase in CBD and marijuana-containing edibles, Erdman said he is also aware of similar packaging.

“When in doubt, throw it away” She advised, noting that bags of candy are unlikely to be run through X-ray machines in emergency rooms.

Because food allergies affect so many, Erdman advises those handing out candy to be aware of common allergens, especially nut products.

“Kids might say, ‘I can’t take it because I’m allergic to it,’ so you kind of have a hedge.” I personally use Smarties and Dum Dums because it’s just sugar and allergies to these things are rare.” she said.

Additionally, those handing out candy should be aware that some children may be nonverbal and may not offer the traditional “Trick or treating” when you go door to door. Many of them are distinguished by the fact that they carry blue buckets. But under no circumstances should a child’s silence be taken as a sign of rudeness.

A basic rule to follow when trick-or-treating is to avoid homes that have their porch lights turned off, Erdman emphasized.

“If you don’t know the people in houses where the lights aren’t on, don’t knock on the door because usually the people expecting the trick-or-treaters have the porch light on.” she explained.

Should an incident of any kind occur, Geisinger will be well prepared, Erdman said.

“Our pediatric emergency department will be well prepared and ready for this.” she said.

“Parents and individuals can also go to the emergency room or emergency room if it is nothing serious and they can assess them and decide whether or not they need to be treated in the emergency room.” Erdman explained.

Below are the times for trick-or-treating and Halloween parades around Lycoming County:

• Williamsport, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• South Williamsport, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• Old Lycoming, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• Loyalsock Township, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• Montoursville, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• DuBoistown, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• Muncy Borough, parade 5:30 p.m., trick-or-treating 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• Hughesville, parade: 5:30 p.m.; Trick or Treat: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 31st

• Montgomery, parade: 6 p.m.; Trick or Treat: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, October 31st

• Jersey Shore, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• Picture Rocks, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

• Avis, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 31st

• Salladasburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

Other community events include:

• DuBoistown Halloween Community Event, Sunday, 6 to 8 p.m., LeRoy O. Buck Post 7863, 150 Shaffer St., DuBoistown.

• Pennsdale Haunted Barn, kid-friendly trunk-or-treat, 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, 261 Village Road, Muncy.

• Montgomery Elementary School Trunk-or-Treat, Tuesday, 5 to 6:30 p.m., 120 Penn St., Montgomery.

• State Police Troop F Trunk-or-Treat, Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Donald E. Schick Elementary, 2800 Four Mile Drive, Montoursville.

• Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treating and Fall Festival, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 5 to 8 p.m., Fourth Street between Market and William Streets.

• Trunk-or-Treat and Haunted House, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, Shaw Place Park, 1501 Sherman St.