Halloween is a time for trick-or-treating, dressing up in your favorite costume and eating lots of candy. It also presents some hazards that can be prevented by following some simple safety rules. Typically, hospitals and health providers see an increase in falls, burn-related injuries and pedestrian accidents during the Halloween season.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are four and a half times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night during the year. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
It is important that adults make sure children take extra precautions when celebrating on Halloween. There are some simple safety measures that can be taken to better ensure a risk-free trick-or-treating experience.
Official trick-or-treat hours for the City of Indianapolis are between 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. For those who plan to go out trick-or-treating, here are 10 safety tips I would recommend following:
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone; walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or stay on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
• Children shouldn’t snack from their goody bags while they’re out trick-or-treating. Giving them a light meal or a snack before they venture out can prevent empty stomachs. Encourage them to wait until an adult can inspect their “goody bags.” • Costume accessories such as swords, knives, etc. should be short, soft, and flexible to avoid accidents.
• Testing costume makeup in a small area first can prevent possible skin and eye irritation. Be sure to remove before bedtime.
• Urge children not to accept or eat anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Adults, be sure inspect commercially wrapped items for signs of tampering. This includes appearance, discoloration and tiny pinholes. Throw away anything that looks unusual.
• Pumpkins lit by candlelight should be placed on a sturdy table, away from other flammable objects; these items should never be left unattended.
• Something as simple as teaching children to look both ways before crossing the street will prevent being hit by cars at night.
A final point parents and caregivers should consider is candy consumption, the main tradition associated with trick-or-treating. Halloween is a once-a-year event, so a little candy is not a bad thing, but make sure the candy is eaten in moderation. Prior to trick-or-treating, children should have a healthy meal or snack. This will result in less of a craving for the candy they receive. Also, instead of giving out candy at your house, consider giving stickers or bubbles to the children.
Remember that taking a little extra care can make all the difference in making Halloween safe and trouble free.
Be safe!
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center