Falls and Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents Top List of Halloween Injuries
Parents are reminded to use some easy “tricks” to keep kids safe this Halloween
ST. LOUIS— Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year. Burns, falls and other serious injuries can make October 31st as frightening for parents as it is for their little goblins.
"The single most important thing is for kids to wear costumes that can be easily seen by drivers," says Dr. Joseph Gunn, emergency medicine physician at St. Louis Children's Hospital, "and be very careful about obeying the rules of crossing the streets."
Doctors at St. Louis Children's Hospital offer these additional guidelines to avoid the most common Halloween mishaps:
PREPS BEFORE HALLOWEEN:
- 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.
- Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility
- Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant
- Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts
- Use battery-powered lanterns or neon lightsticks instead of candles in decorations and costumes
- Discreetly secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) inside your child’s costume or on a bracelet
- Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
- Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire
- Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
- Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
- Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking
- Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack
- While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack-O-Lantern, leave the carving to adults
ON HALLOWEEN:
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds
- Plan and review with your children the neighborhood route for trick-or-treating
- Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard in costume
- Agree on a specific time when trick-or-treaters must return home
- Along with flashlights, older children and escorts should wear a watch and bring a cell phones
- Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
- Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver
REMINDERS FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS:
- By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others
- Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going
- Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light ‘ON’
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic
- Never cut across yards or use alleys
- Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat
- Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations
- Always walk; Never run across a street
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
- Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
- 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.
- Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered
- No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home
- Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity
AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items
- For children with food allergies, check candy labels carefully for potential allergens
- Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those children of an appropriate age
HALLOWEEN PREPS FOR YOUR PETS
- Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds
- Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags
- If your pet eats chocolate, candy, or other items, call your veterinarian immediately for advice
About St. Louis Children’s Hospital
St. Louis Children’s Hospital has provided specialized care for children for more than 127 years. The hospital is affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine, ranked the number fourmedical school in the country by US News & World Report. In 2007, Child magazine ranked St. Louis Children’s Hospital among the 10 Best children’s hospitals in the country, and second in pulmonary medicine. St. Louis Children’s Hospital is a member of BJC HealthCare. For more information, visit stlouischildrens.org.