Trick–or–Treating Safety Tips

Trick–or–Treating children

Trick–or–Treating Safety Tips

Halloween is by far the most fun filled night of the year for children and yes, for adults too, let’s face it, what can be better than dressing up, staying up late and eating a ton of yummy treats?

But, there is a scary side to Halloween that tops any ghost, goblin, ghouls, or things that go bump in the night, we are of course referring to accidents. Sadly, we at Altus Emergency Centers know all too well how devastating these can be. This year, we would like to ensure that all enjoy the fun of Halloween without the dangers by practicing good trick-or-treating safety tips.

a little girl Halloween candy

Horrifying Halloween Facts

  • Kids are twice as likely to be hit by a motor vehicle and sustain serious injury or even death on Halloween night than any other night of the year.
  • Kids with severe food allergies are especially vulnerable during a trick-or-treat run. As much as they can’t wait to enjoy a bite of delicious candy, please remember that food safety is an important part of trick-or-treating safety.
  • Elaborate costumes especially those that include long or loose-fitting clothing, masks, or props such as swords, can impair vision and make it difficult for a child to move, increasing their risk of falling and injuring themselves.
  • Carving a pumpkin is a dangerous affair, especially for small kids, deep cuts that require stitching are common this time of year.
  • Severe burns from a candle lit Jack O’ Lanterns are all too common.
a line of trick or treaters

Halloween Safety Tips

As frightening as these facts are, you need not worry, the heroic staff of Altus Emergency Centers is here to help you avert the terrors of the night, follow our trick-or-treating safety tips, and enjoy a fun night with your family.

  • Our first trick-or-treating safety tip is important at all times, not only on Halloween. Never let kids under 12-years of age go trick-or-treating alone if you cannot accompany them, make sure a trusted adult is with them.
  • If you have older kids that will be going out on their own, make sure they are traveling in a group, and follow their route with the use of the GPS tracking system on their phones. Agree on a specific time they should return home.
  • Plan your route in advance, if possible avoid heavy traffic areas. Stick to a route you and your kids are familiar with.
  • Choose costumes that are bright or attach some reflective tape to the costume and trick-or-treat bags to increase visibility and help motorists spot your kids from a distance.
  • Make sure shoes are comfy and well fitted, trick-or-treating could take you several blocks away from home, comfy shoes are necessary to prevent blisters.
  • Masks can block or limit eyesight, making it difficult for your child to navigate and increasing their risk of injury, to avoid this consider using non-toxic makeup and well-fitted hats instead.
  • Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions, if your child suffers one, take him/her immediately to the nearest Altus ER Center for treatment.
  • Remove all makeup before your kids go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
  • When out shopping for costumes, wigs, and other accessories, make sure the label clearly states they are flame resistant.
  • The next trick-or-treating safety tip begins with costume selection to avoid potential injuries associated with falling. Ensure your child’s costume is the appropriate length, long costumes increase the chances of your child tripping and hurting themselves.
  • If possible avoid costumes with weapons, but, if your child won’t have it any other way, make sure swords, knives, guns, etc. are short, soft, and flexible.
  • Never use over-the-counter decorative contact lenses, as these can cause pain, inflammation, infections, and other serious eye disorders which may lead to permanent vision loss. All contact lenses should be prescribed by an eye care professional.
  • Teach your kids how to call 911 or any other emergency number if they get lost or feel they may be in any sort of danger.
  • Instruct your kids to never get into a stranger’s car.
  • Tell your kids not to eat any treats until they return home, especially if they have food allergies. Inspect all treats before allowing your children to consume them.
  • Limit the number of sweets your kids can eat at once, hide the candy and allow them to consume it a little at a time over the next few days or weeks.
  • Never let small children carve a pumpkin, instead have them draw a scary face on it with a marker.
  • Choose to light up your Jack O’ Lantern with a flashlight, battery operated led light, or glow stick instead of a candle.
2 children admiring a jack-o-lantern

Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.

No Need to Fear When Altus ER is Here

Have a Fun & Safe Halloween!

Altus Emergency Centers wants you to have a fun and safe Halloween, follow our trick-or-treat safety tips but know that accidents can happen even when you are being careful, which is why we will be here to take care of you and your loved ones on the scariest night of the year and every other night too.

Should you or someone you know require immediate ER care, it is never the time to wait in line for hours or drive long distances. Give yourself the best possibility to get well. If you or someone you know need emergency medical assistance, visit your nearest Altus Emergency Center immediately.

3 kids dressed up for Halloween
Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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