One night a year, goblins, witches and vampires may be seen traveling from house to house in a quest for candy. Halloween is a time for fun for all ages. However, parents, children, and community members must remember safety on this day filled with fantasy.

SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Be sure your child’s costume is big enough to be worn over warm clothes but isn’t so long he could trip.
• Bright, colorful costumes that can be seen easily by drivers are best. Choose costume accessories and props that are flame resistant.
• Shoes should be comfortable and safe for walking.
• Use make-up or face paint for finishing touches to a costume—wigs and masks could block your child’s vision.
• Always trick-or-treat with your child and visit homes that you know well.
• Use sidewalks and only cross streets at crosswalks or well lighted intersections. Pedestrian safety is one of the biggest concerns on Halloween.
• Try to finish trick-or-treating before dark. Make sure to have a flashlight handy.

SAFE TREATS

• Check all candy before letting your child eat it. Throw away candy that is not properly wrapped.
• Call the police if you suspect tampering. Tasting is not a safe way to test.
• Fruit should be undamaged, washed and cut before eating.
• Children should only eat homemade treats if you know and trust the person who made them.
• Some items, such as gum, nuts, hard candies, seeds, or toys with small parts, can be choking hazards. Keep these away from young children.
• Call a Poison Center if your child swallows something that could be harmful. Many centers are available 24-hours a day. The World Health Organization has a directory of poison centers around the world to help you find one near you.

SAFETY TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

• Paint your pumpkins. Carving knives are dangerous. Also, the candles used inside carved pumpkins are fire hazards.
• If you do light a jack-o’-lantern this year, use battery-operated candles to prevent fires.
• Never leave a lit pumpkin unattended.
• Leave both indoor and outdoor lights on if you want visits from trick-or-treaters.
• Clear the walkway to your door of decorations, hoses, toys, wet leaves, or other items that could cause a child to slip or trip.

Content provided by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s

For more safety information, visit:

• Farm Safety
• Fire Safety
• Sports & Recreation Safety
• Transportation Safety