As October 31 rapidly approaches, kids across the D.C. and Northern Virginia region are excitedly picking out costumes and planning their trick or treating routes.
But parents and caregivers should spend time thinking about how to protect young charges from potential dangers. To that end, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has compiled a list of important trick or treating tips, categorized under the acronym “S.A.F.E H.A.L.L.O.W.E.E.N.”
We’re just going to summarize the critical safety concepts as opposed to going through the entire lengthy acronym:
- Keep any pointy costume accessories (such as knifes and swords) soft and bendable;
- Use reflective tape to allow drivers to see the kids;
- Bring a flashlight;
- Walk (do not run) from house to house, particularly if you need to cross busy streets;
- Be a smart pedestrian: look both ways before you cross the street, and use sidewalks and crosswalks, if possible.
- When going from home to home, avoid touching candles or other luminary sources;
- ravel in groups: responsible adults should accompany young children;
- Choose costumes wisely; they can cause considerable injuries. Make the sure costumes are comfortable and do not cause trip and fall hazards or allergic reactions.
- Test make up on a small area of the skin first before applying it in broad swaths to the face or body, so that you don’t set off hives or other major unpleasant reactions.
- Avoid wearing decorative contact lenses, which can cause eye injuries;
- Do not take rides from strangers;
- Avoid dark houses or homes that have hazards on the property, such as open pits or potentially dangerous dogs and other animals.
- In terms of the treats you collect… use caution! Do not accept unwrapped homemade treats from strangers, and watch for choking hazards.
- Limit the amount of candy your children consume on Halloween night and subsequently. Even if your children are young, vigorous, and blessed with a healthy metabolism, scientists increasingly believe that sugary treats can cause diverse metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, kidney failure, stroke and gout. When eaten in moderation by people who can tolerate them, sweets can make for a fun treat. But watch out, particularly if your child is diabetic or has other health issues.
If you have questions regarding a Washington D.C personal injury case, contact the team here at Regan Zambri & Long today for a free consultation.
Autumn fires can also pose safety hazards for kids. Learn more: October Is Fire Safety Awareness Month: 8 Key Tips to Protect Your Family