Safety tips to ensure a Happy Halloween

Halloween can be an exciting time of year for children and adolescents, but to help ensure they have a safe holiday, the Medical Society of the State of New York is passing along the following recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Costumes:
* Choose costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
* Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats instead.
* When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
* Avoid pointed props such as spears, swords or wands that endanger a child’s eyes.
* Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts who will be trick-or-treating at dusk or after dark.

Pumpkins:
* Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, but then parents should do any cutting.
* If lighting the inside of pumpkins, only use votive candles, which are safest.
* Lighted pumpkins should be placed away from flammable objects and never be left unattended.

Neighborhood:
* A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children when they trick-or-treat.
* Only go to homes with a porch light on. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
* Instruct children to cross the street together (or within a group) in established crosswalks.
* Do not assume the right of way. Motorists may not see trick-or-treaters.
* Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) in case they become lost or have another emergency.

Home:
* To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over.
* Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
* Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
* Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
* Though tampering is rare, after returning from trick-or-treating a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York(MSSNY).