Be Safe While Celebrating Halloween

Well it’s that time of year when the weather changes multiple times a day. You can wake up and need to wear a coat and end up thinking that a T-shirt and shorts would feel real nice by afternoon. This kind of weather tells us that fall is in full swing and the highlight for kids this time of year is Halloween. Halloween is exciting for kids of all ages, and to help ensure everyone has a safe time, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Plan to wear 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. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost. Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest. Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. They should never be left unattended. To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Wet leaves or snow should be swept from sidewalks and steps. Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters to stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Carry a cellphone for quick communication. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Never cut across yards and only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways. 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. Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils. 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. Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween.

While you are out trick or treating in Clinton look for the Fire Departments Engine 42 around Meadow Park and Westview and EMS with Ambulance 49 will be around Church (Hwy 140) and Milwaukee (County X). They will be handing out treats until their supply runs out. There will also be applications available for parents that are interested in joining Fire and/or EMS. If you have time, talk with the crews and see if becoming an EMT or Firefighter may be in your future.

Until Next week, stay safe

Chief Rindfleisch