PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Halloween is almost here and that means kids will soon be dressed up as their favorite superhero or villain to get lots of treats. And for many, the fun will come even sooner as they take part in various trunk-or-treats, harvest parties, and community events taking place now through the end of the month.
While the Halloween season is about fun and sugar rushes, there are some important things parents should keep in mind for the health and safety of their children. Dawn Roberts, AR Gould Hospital’s community health coordinator, shares these helpful tips.
Check over and limit candy.
When the fun is over, whether from an organized event or from traditional trick-or- treating, make sure to check your children’s candy before they eat it, throwing away any candy with a loose wrapper or that looks suspicious. Also limit access to the candy, so it is eaten in moderation.
Costumes can be fun or scary, but make sure they are also safe.
Pick lighter colors for costume or decorate them with reflective tape or stickers so they’re more easily seen in the dark. Make sure costumes are warm enough for the weather or fit loosely enough to wear warm clothing underneath. Avoid costumes that are too long to protect from tripping or getting caught on objects. Use of makeup and hats is better than a mask that can obscure vision.
Stay safe walking from house to house.
Parents should go with their younger children while trick-or-treating. Remind older children to stick with friends and familiar areas. Use a flashlight or glow stick to better see where you are walking and to be seen by drivers.
Prepare your home for trick-or-treaters.
Remove tripping hazards from your yard and be sure to have a light on so families can see and know you are accepting trick-or-treaters. Consider some non-candy options too, like glow sticks, whistles, and stickers. If you have animals who get nervous or overly excited around strangers, consider restraining them in an area away from your door.
Be extra cautious on the roads.
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year, according to the National Safety Council. When people are driving on Halloween, please be particularly cautious.
Have a safe and happy Halloween, everyone!
