Tips for a safe Halloween

Halloween is a fun experience for the whole family, from the costumes to divvying up the candy stash at the end of the night. Soon, pint-sized ghosts and goblins will be out and about, and Sentara Pediatric Physicians pediatrician Dr. Penny Lane shares a few safety tips on how to keep the night safe and trick-free:

For trick or treaters: 

• Children under 12 should be supervised by an adult or responsible teen chaperone.
• Trick or treat in groups of three or more.
• Plan a route with your child.
• Stay in a familiar neighborhood and only approach well-lit houses.
• Review pedestrian rules: Stay on sidewalks, use crosswalks and wait for walk signals when present.

  For costumes:

• Choose fire-retardant costumes or materials.
• Make sure that costumes fit properly and do not drag on the ground.
• Choose light-colored costumes when possible.
• Accessorize with light-colored goodie bags.
• Add reflexive tape to costume and goodie bags.
• Non-toxic hypoallergenic face paints are preferable to masks.
• Masks may restrict vision.  If using a mask, enlarge the eye cutouts and encourage children to remove mask when crossing streets.
• Set a time limit and curfew.
• Make sure that emergency contact info is located on the costume.

  For treats:

• Check the goodie bag.
• Toss items that are not sealed or have tears or unusually loose packaging.
• Make sure that treats are appropriate for the child's age. Remove choking hazards like gum, small toys or hard candy from the bags of younger children.