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Halloween safety for children

  • Published
  • By Dustin Hayden
  • 20th Component Maintenance Squadron
Anytime a child has an accident, it's tragic. The last thing you want to happen is for your child to be hurt on Halloween; it would forever live in the mind of your child and your family. There are many ways to keep children safe at Halloween. Common sense can do a lot to stop tragedies from occurring.

Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that the costume is fire proof. Dress your kids in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your kids wear a reflective belt or carry a glow stick or flashlight. Costumes should be short enough so that they don't cause your child to trip and fall.

Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as an axe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on. Masks should fit securely and allow your child to see well and not hinder visibility. If using face paint make sure it is nontoxic and hypoallergenic.

Kids always want to help with the pumpkin carving. Small children shouldn't be allowed to use a sharp knife to cut the top or the face of the pumpkin. There are many kits available that come with tiny saws that work better then knives and are safer. It's best to just let children clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it.

Tips for Adults

Parents of trick-or-treating kids can get so caught up in the fun that they might forget some simple safety ideas. Below are just a few common sense tips that can help:
  1. Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them.
  2. Make sure that an adult is going trick-or-treating with your kids.
  3. Know what other activities your child may be attending, such as parties, school or shopping mall functions.
  4. Make sure you set a time for your child to return home.
  5. Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem like fun, but they need to know the consequences. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.
  6. Homeowners should prepare their home for trick-or-treaters by removing obstacles from the front yard, restraining dogs and other animals, and lighting the house well.
  7. If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that kid's costumes couldn't accidentally be set on fire. Artificial lights and candles are a safer alternative to real candles.
  8. Check your kids' candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.
Following these simple guidelines can ensure the 20th FW enjoys a safe and uneventful Halloween. Remember, the last thing you want to happen is for your child to get hurt. Now let's go knock on some doors and say those famous words, "Trick or Treat!"