Boys and girls in Halloween costumes.
For children, no holiday can keep up with Halloween for pure fun: scary costumes, trick or treating, class parties, trips to haunted houses and loads of sweets.
Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous times of the year for children.
While the stories of razor blades in apples or poisonous candy are extremely rare, children face many other risks on Halloween.
Children in loose-fitting costumes can trip and fall, sharp objects like sticks or swords can cause eye injuries, and carving pumpkins always leads to an increase in hand and finger injuries, according to orthopedic surgeons.
The greatest danger, however, is automobiles. According to the organization Safe Kids Worldwide, children are hit and killed by a car about twice as often as any other night.
It’s usually dark when trick or treating is outside, and they could be speeding the streets with excitement. Meanwhile, due to the popularity of Halloween events in bars, motorists have been more likely to drink. According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics in January, there is a 43% increased risk of pedestrian death compared to other fall evenings.
safety instructions
If you want to get your little trick or treating to safety on Halloween night, here are some steps you should follow:
- Make sure the costumes fit properly to reduce the risk of tripping. Discourage dark costumes in favor of colorful ones.
- Make sure the masks fit properly and do not interfere with vision or breathing.
- As much as possible, choose face paint and makeup instead of masks.
- Keep candle-lit jack-o-lanterns away from places where children can stroke them. Use LED lights instead.
- Apply reflective tape to the treatment bags. Keep toys with small parts away from children under 3 years of age.
- Remind kids to be safe: watch out for traffic, cross streets at corners with signs and crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights so they can see and be seen by drivers.
In addition, you should always accompany young children on their neighborhood tours. When kids are old enough to go alone, plan and review an acceptable route and indicate a time when they should be home.
Halloween is an exciting time for children. By following some simple rules, you can help them enjoy them safely.
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