Keeping your young ones safe on Halloween
Trick or Treating can be tremendous fun for children. After all, who doesn’t like free candy and the opportunity to be with friends? But it is also a time that can be fraught with danger. So how does a parent make sure their children stay safe on this night?
Dr. Dean Straff, the Associate Director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at White Plains Hospital, offers the following tips:
- Encourage your children to go out trick-or-treating earlier in the day. While it is still light, it is easier for motorists to see them and for them to spot dangers.
- Choose face paint and/or makeup instead of masks as masks often obstruct vision. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and if possible choose light colors. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- If you can’t convince your child to let you come along, at least make sure that they are accompanied by a group of friends. There is truly safety in numbers. And remind them not to stray from the group.
- Make sure they walk safely, cross the street at corners, look left and right when crossing, and do not use electronic devices when crossing the street.
- Remind them that they should not enter strangers’ homes. It can seem reasonable to a youngster who has been given a treat to come inside to see a family pet or special Halloween decorations. Unless they are accompanied by an adult, this is something they should never do.
- Finally, tell them that they are not to eat any of the treats until they are brought home and examined by you. You should examine the candy and slice up any fruit before you allow them to eat it.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween!