CareNow® - October 27, 2022

Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for many kids. Between dressing up as their favorite characters and walking from door to door for candy, what’s not to love? Unfortunately, Halloween can also be one of the most dangerous days of the year when proper safety tips aren’t followed.

Research reveals that child pedestrians are more than twice as likely to be fatally harmed on Halloween than on any other day. This is partially due to the number of intoxicated drivers on the road and the result of children running around excitedly while not paying attention.

Before your kids head out this Halloween, review some of the top Halloween safety tips to help keep them from the dangers of this holiday. Here’s a look at some valuable tips to help you educate your children.

What are 5 Halloween safety tips?

Whether they’re toddlers or teenagers, your children rely on you to help keep them safe on Halloween. Practicing these safety tips is a great way to make this Halloween enjoyable for your whole family. Be sure to review these tips with your family before you head out for the evening and make sure they understand the importance.

Keep your child in sight at all times

This is especially important for young children; however, even older kids should be supervised by at least one parent. When you’re able to follow your children around at a distance, you can watch out for vehicles that may not see them. You can also keep an eye out for strangers who might try to interact with your child unnecessarily.

Make sure your children are visible

As important as it is for you to see your child at all times when they’re trick or treating, it’s even more important that drivers can see them. Placing reflective tape on your children’s costumes or having them carry a flashlight or glow stick are a few simple ways they can be more visible to drivers on the road.

Only allow your children to eat prepackaged treats

While some of the tastiest treats may be the goodies baked from home, it’s not safe to eat foods made by people you’re unfamiliar with. This is especially important if your child has any food allergies. Try to stick to candies that have full labels and come from trusted sources.

Keep costumes simple

Falling is the second most common Halloween injury, but it can be easily prevented by making sure costumes aren’t a tripping hazard for your child. If needed, hem your child’s costume, so it doesn’t drag on the ground. Masks should also allow for a full range of vision so your child can see cars approaching from any side.

Practice pumpkin carving safety

One of the most loved activities around this time of year is pumpkin carving; however, it’s another top reason kids can get injured on this holiday. Avoid using sharp knives when carving a pumpkin. Instead, opt for the tools that come in pumpkin carving kits. Always try to be in a well-lit area when you’re carving pumpkins, and monitor children, so they’re not carving alone.

Is trick or treating safe?

Generally, trick or treating can be a safe activity for children. In most cases, young kids will only make it down a couple of streets before they lose energy. However, older kids will usually want to stay out later, making it extra important they know how to be safe.

If possible, always make sure there’s at least one parent supervising the group no matter what the age of the children. If your children are at an age where they want to go alone and you feel confident in their abilities to navigate the neighborhood, make sure they’ve got a friend or “buddy” so they can keep an eye out for each other.

Older children should always carry a cell phone, and it’s a good idea to turn on a location finder at least for one night so you can track them if needed. Talk with your child beforehand to agree upon a route that’s acceptable to you both, so you know where they’ll be the entire time.

If your child is old enough to have an electronic device, remind them to put the devices down when they’re walking house to house (and especially when crossing the street), so they can keep their heads up.

How to stay safe on Halloween

Aside from educating your children on the dangers of Halloween, it’s smart to go over ways you can stay safe (and keep others safe) as well. For example, if you plan to light a jack-o’-lantern this Halloween, consider using LED candles instead of a candle. This will prevent any potential fire-related incidents from occurring, and you still get the same spooky appearance!

If you plan to go out on Halloween night, be extra observant. Do not be on your smart devices while driving. Instead, keep an eye on the road while staying aware of your surroundings.

Finally, keep your home well-lit for the evening. If you don’t plan to hand out candy, consider putting a sign on your door instead of turning off your porch light. The light may deter potential crimes from occurring and will ensure that trick-or-treaters have plenty of light to avoid tripping in the dark.

What to do if your child gets injured on Halloween

Should your child get injured on Halloween, you’ll need to find medical care that’s open after hours when a typical provider’s office is closed. Each of the more than 175 CareNow® locations throughout the country is open after hours and on the weekends, so your child can be seen immediately.

Our patients also enjoy a Web Check-In® feature that allows them to wait from anywhere instead of being stuck inside a waiting room. Find the location near you.

You can also know you’re getting only the best medical attention at CareNow® as we’ve earned the distinction of Accredited Urgent Care Center from our industry’s association, Urgent Care Association (UCA).

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