According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 89 percent of kids participate in Halloween and 73 percent of kids go trick-or-treating door-to-door. The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) wants to ensure all children and adults are safe this Halloween.
ATSPA Assistant Director, Allyson Fulton, M.Ed, stated, “Halloween is a fun holiday for children, but it can ultimately be worrisome for parents. From picking out the perfect costume to planning out a safe trick-or-treat route, individuals need to be reminded that safety is always the number one priority.”
Follow these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for a safe Halloween:
Costumes:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
- Increase visibility by adding reflective tape or striping to costumes.
- Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to a mask.
Trick-or-treat Trail Plan:
- A parent should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- If older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a time they should return home.
Pumpkin Carving:
- Small children should never carve pumpkins.
- Consider using a flashlight or glowstick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin.
- Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from flammable objects. Never leave lit pumpkins unattended.
Fulton provides this final reminder to parents of trick-or-treaters, “According to the AAP, pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween. Remember to stay in groups, remain on well-lit streets, and always use the sidewalk.”
The American Trauma Society, PA Division (ATSPA) is a non-profit trauma prevention education organization dedicated to reducing suffering, disability, and death due to trauma. The ATSPA strives to help all Pennsylvanians survive and lead healthier lives through its trauma prevention education programs. For information, call 717-766-1616 and visit www.atspa.org.