Have a Safe and Happy Halloween
Fall celebrations like Halloween are fun times for children and families. They also provide an excellent opportunity to give out healthy snacks and treats, get physical activity, and focus on safety. Here are 13 great tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our Healthy Weight staff.
- Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
- Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Always walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
- Fasten reflective tape or lights to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
- Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat by saving some for a later day or by visiting fewer houses.
- Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.
- Always test make-up in a small area first before applying it to large areas of skin. Remove all make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
- Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
- Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
- Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
- Eat only store bought treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
- Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses and never accept rides from strangers.
- Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests? Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:
