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Halloween
Safety Tips from the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
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Halloween is an exciting time of
year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here
are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The
pediatricians at The Austin
Diagnostic Clinic encourage you to review these helpful tips
before trick or treating with your children this Halloween.
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ALL DRESSED UP:
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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.
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Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and
Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
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Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider
non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. |
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Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over
eyes. |
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When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for
and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are
flame resistant. |
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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.
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Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and
their escorts. |
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Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency
number) if they have an emergency or become lost. |
CARVING A NICHE:
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Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can
draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
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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. |
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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:
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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. |
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Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out
bulbs. |
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Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
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Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a
trick-or-treater. |
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
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A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young
children on their neighborhood rounds.
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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. |
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Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a
home or car for a treat. |
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Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to
children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
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Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
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Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
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Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
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If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the
roadway facing traffic. |
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Never cut across yards or use alleys.
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Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks
(as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked
cars or out driveways. |
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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! |
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Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately
of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
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HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:
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A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will
discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
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Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your
home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
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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. |
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Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.
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© 10/10 American Academy of
Pediatrics
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