We wish all of our families a
safe and Happy Halloween!
Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help ensure they have a safe holiday.
All Dressed Up:�Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
�Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. �Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
�When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
�If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
�Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
�Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as �one size fits all,� or �no need to see an eye specialist,� obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
�Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.
�Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
�Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
�Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.
Home Safe Home: �To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
�Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
�Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
�Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
On the Trick-or-Treat Trail:
�If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
�Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters: �Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
�Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
�If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
�Never cut across yards or use alleys.
�Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
�Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
�Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
�Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. 
Healthy Halloween:�A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
�Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
�Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
�Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.
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