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topicnews · October 26, 2024

Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters

Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters

Sarah Darby
| Specially for American-Statesman

As Halloween approaches, excitement increases for kids who love trick-or-treating. However, when families are looking for the perfect Halloween costumes and decorations, safety should still be at the top of their list. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day. To ensure a fun and safe Halloween, the Level II Trauma Center at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center offers the following tips.

Accompany your children

No child, regardless of age, should go trick-or-treating alone. Young trick-or-treaters should always be accompanied by parents or other responsible adults, and older children should travel in groups. When navigating busy streets with pedestrians and vehicles, safety is a top priority.

Wear bright and eye-catching costumes

Choosing colorful costumes can help drivers and cyclists see your child while walking. Consider adding reflective tape to costumes or trick-or-treat bags to improve visibility. Avoid costumes with masks or headgear that could obscure a child’s vision and opt for face paint instead.

Light up the night

Carrying a flashlight, glow stick, or lantern not only helps your child see better, but also alerts drivers to his presence. Proper lighting can also prevent falls by illuminating uneven sidewalks or obstacles along the route.

Follow pedestrian safety rules

Teach your children to use crosswalks or only cross on street corners. Stay on sidewalks, or if there are no sidewalks, stay on the side of the road facing traffic so that drivers and pedestrians can see each other clearly.

Plan ahead

Before you leave the house, plan your route. This ensures everyone knows the way and reduces the risk of getting lost or separated in crowded neighborhoods.

Decorate safely

In addition to maintaining safety while trick-or-treating, parents and guardians should also promote safety when decorating for Halloween. The most common Halloween injuries include cuts, breaks, and burns while decorating.

When carving pumpkins, use safe carving kits or knives specifically designed for carving. Parents should never let their children use sharp carving tools alone and should always ensure close supervision when carving pumpkins. It’s even safer to paint or draw pumpkins instead of carving them.

Avoid using open flames in Halloween decorations. LED candles are a great alternative to traditional candles. If you plan to decorate your home with string lights, only use lights that are tested and approved for outdoor use. Be sure to check for frayed wires or broken light bulbs, as these can pose a fire hazard.

To reduce the risk of injury from trips and falls, be aware of any obstacles in your yard that could cause you or others to trip, such as: B. straps attached to inflatable boats. Properly secure any extension cords, which can be difficult to see in the dark, and consider using outdoor lighting to increase the visibility of potential tripping hazards.

Following these precautions can help ensure everyone has a fun night without any terrible mishaps.

Sarah Darby, BSN, is the Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator at the Level II Trauma Center at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center.

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