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(WJBK) - Halloween is a fun time of year. Children and adults get dressed up to enjoy this time of year. There are a couple things to remember to keep everyone safe.
Children and adults are at an increased risk for pedestrian injuries - due to dark colored clothing and it being dark outside. Children can also get very sick by consuming too much candy, or candy that was not inspected by their parent/caregiver.
Renee Zarr from Children's Hospital of Michigan Kohl's Injury Prevention Coordinator joined us in studio with some ways we can all stay safe this Halloween.
ALL DRESSED UP:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
- Consider adding reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
- Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
- If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
-If your older children are going with a group, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Remind Trick-or-Treaters:
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Always look LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT and WALK across the street.
- Carry a mobile phone for quick communication.
- 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.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
HOME SAFE 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 such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
- 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.
CARVING A NICHE:
- Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers but the cutting should be left to the adults.
- Small children can also paint the pumpkin, or decorate in other safe ways.
- Battery operated candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
- Candle lit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.