Safe Kids: Keep your little monsters safe on Halloween

by Kurt Tyrrell
For the Yakima Herald-Republic

Busy streets will soon be even busier, as ghoulish ghosts, wicked witches, thirsty vampires and all sorts of other spooky creatures head out in search of trick-or-treating treasures. If asked, most kids -- big and small -- will say that Halloween is one of the most exciting and fun nights of the whole year, and I probably have to agree with them.

Unfortunately, with all of the excitement of Halloween, also comes an increased chance of injury. In fact, Halloween has become the most dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians, with children under age 15 being more than twice as likely to be killed while walking on Halloween as on any other night.

 

Tips for parents

Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that all children trick-or-treat with an adult until they are at least 10 years old. For older children going trick-or-treating alone, you should plan and review a route that is acceptable to you and have a specific time when they should return home. Parents must also remind kids to:

* Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with the stopped drivers before crossing

* When crossing the street, look left, right, then left again, and keep looking as they cross

* Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible

* Watch for cars that are turning or backing up, and never dart out into traffic or cross in between parked cars

 

Choosing a costume

When choosing your child's spooky costume the Consumer Product Safety Commission has the following recommendations:

* When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

* Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists. Decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights.

* Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.

* Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.

* Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.

* Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.

* If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.

* Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials.

 

Sweet treats

If your kids are like mine, they'll try to start eating their newly acquired sugary treats before they've even reached the second house! The American Academy of Pediatrics has the following recommendations to help you limit your child's candy intake:

* A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

* Consider purchasing nonfood 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.

 

Tips for drivers

Drivers need to do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm. Safe Kids reminds motorists to be extra careful this Halloween and recommends that drivers:

* Be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.

* Drive more slowly and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic on and near the road

* Be sure to drive with your headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances

* Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle

* Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period, between 5:30-9:30 p.m.

 

Decorations

If you plan on decorating you house for the festive occasion, the following tips can help reduce the chance of injury or property damage:

* Keep candles and jack o' lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.

* Indoors, keep candles and jack o' lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles. Do not leave burning candles unattended.

Whether it's your Spooky little creature's first time or his 21st time trick or treating, be sure to take a few moments to discuss these important safety precautions. Check around your own house and yard to make sure you have any potential dangers in check, then go out and have a safe and fun Halloween.

* Kurt Tyrrell is the Passport to Health program Coordinator for Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and a member of Safe Kids Yakima County. He is a Certified Health Education Specialist and a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. His column is produced in cooperation with Safe Kids Yakima County, a local consortium of organizations, agencies and individuals actively promoting child safety.

 

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