Release Date: October 23, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Avoid Scary and Harmful Pitfalls this Halloween
Metro Health offers parents and trick-or-treaters safety and health tips
More than 60 percent of Americans are expected to celebrate Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation. With that many trick-or-treaters, candy-givers, and costume-shoppers making plans, San Antonio’s public health team is offering some safety and health tips.
Parents, youngsters, and those aiming to fill the baskets and bags of trick-or-treaters should keep the following in mind to prevent injuries and illness.
Costume Safety
Purchase or make costumes, including wigs, made of flame-resistant material.
Avoid lengthy pants, dresses or oversized shoes that could pose a tripping hazard.
Wear bright, reflective costumes or use reflective tape or patches.
Do not wear costume accessories or masks that could hinder vision, including cosmetic contacts. Improper use of contacts can lead to eye infections, injuries or blindness.
Use non-toxic makeup.
Avoid accessories with sharp or pointed ends such as knives, claws, or wands.
Tips for Trick-or-treating
If a child is sick with an influenza-like illness, keep them at home.
Adults are urged to go with children as they trick-or-treat. This will increase safety and provide exercise as well. Remember to make 5,000 steps a daily goal to prevent or decrease health issues.
Avoid unfamiliar and stray animals.
Use caution when crossing streets. Note to drivers: Halloween occurs on a Saturday. More youngsters may be roaming neighborhoods. DRIVE CAREFULLY.
Ensure children only visit familiar homes that have the porch light on.
Carry a flashlight to increase visibility and light your pathway.
Residents should remove all tripping hazards from porches, sidewalks and entry ways.
If you are sick with an influenza-like illness, do not distribute items to trick-or-treaters. Allow someone in the home who is not ill to pass out treats.
Provide healthier treats such as individual packs of raisins, trail mix or pretzels.
Consider non-edible alternatives such as stickers, party favors or fun pencils and erasers.
Candy Safety
Feed children a healthy meal before they trick-or-treat to get rid of hunger pangs.
Adults should carefully examine all treats for signs of tampering BEFORE allowing a child to eat them. If you question an item’s safety, throw it away.
Pay particular attention to young children as they eat their treats, especially items that could present a choking hazard.
Keep allergies and health conditions in mind and remove items containing ingredients that could be harmful to your child.
Think portion size. Let your child know how much candy they will be allowed to eat at a time and when.
Remind your child to brush and floss after eating sugary treats to avoid cavities.
Plan other fun activities for your child if diabetes is a concern and access to candy would be a health risk.
Pumpkin Safety
Be careful when carving pumpkins. Use sound judgment on whether a child is mature and strong enough to handle a sharp carving tool.
Never leave jack-o’-lanterns unattended or lit overnight.
