Halloween Safety: Fact or Fright?
Halloween should be all about costumes, candy and fun — not unexpected trips to your local urgent care or ER. From choosing a safe costume to navigating dark streets, see how much you know about keeping your little ghosts and goblins safe.
True or False: Face paint is generally safer than a Halloween mask when trick-or-treating.
True. Masks can block a child’s vision and make it harder to see obstacles or approaching cars, especially in low light. If you’re using face paint, test a small amount on your child’s arm one to two days before Halloween to check for a possible skin reaction.
True or False: Decorative contact lenses are a safe way to create a scary Halloween character.
False. Decorative contact lenses should only be used with a prescription and proper fitting. Wearing non-prescription or improperly fitted lenses can cause serious eye injuries, including infections, eye damage and, in severe cases, vision loss.
True or False: When walking at night on a road without sidewalks, it’s best to walk with the flow of traffic.
False. When walking after dark, especially when there are no sidewalks, face oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles. On Halloween, the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that parents walk door-to-door with young children, stick to sidewalks whenever possible and cross streets at corners or crosswalks.
Which Halloween costume is safest for trick-or-treating?
Choose a costume that fits properly to help prevent trips and falls. Avoid oversized sleeves, loose or dragging skirts, and pant legs that could cause a child to stumble. When purchasing a store-bought costume, look for a label that says “flame-resistant.” Reflective tape, bright colors and glow sticks can also help make children more visible to drivers.
In addition to following these helpful safety tips, consider getting your annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines before the start of the holiday season. This is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and flu. You can get the vaccines at your local pharmacy or find locations by visiting vaccinefinder.org.
