Common Halloween injuries include eye injuries from sharp objects, burns from flammable costumes, and children hit by cars as they walk and run around busy neighborhoods.
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) suggests that adults follow these tips for a safe and fun Halloween:
- Make sure you see all the candy before your child eats it. Avoid candy that is not wrapped in its original wrapper, as well as all fruit.
- Make sure your child stays on the sidewalks as much as possible (off streets) and obeys all traffic signals.
- Discuss the importance of staying together in a group. Require at least one adult to serve as a chaperone during trick-or-treat gatherings.
- Make sure your child knows the potential dangers from strangers. Make sure they know never to accept rides from strangers or visit unfamiliar homes or areas.
- Avoid costumes that could cause children to trip, such as baggy pants, long hems, high heels, and oversized shoes.
- Avoid costumes that obstruct the child’s sight or vision.
- Avoid masks if possible. If your child must wear one, make sure it is well ventilated.
- Make sure costume fabric, wigs, and beards are made of flame-resistant materials, such as nylon or polyester.
- Keep candlelit Jack-O-Lanterns away from children so they can’t get burned or set on fire.
- Make sure costumes are visible at night: Avoid dark colors. Add reflective tape to the costume so your child is more visible to motor vehicles.
- Take a flashlight while trick-or-treating as visibility decreases long before it gets really dark.
- Check accessories such as swords, knives, wands, and other pointed objects. Make sure they are made from flexible materials and have dulled edges.
ACEP also recommends that children trick-or-treat at organized Halloween festivities, such as at local churches, shopping malls or schools. This way, children are not walking in the dark and it allows constant adult supervision.
For additional information and safety tips, please click here.
Click here for public awareness information from the New Jersey Department of Human Services on marijuana-laced candy.