From costumes to candy: How families can stay safe this Halloween
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As ghosts, goblins and superheroes prepare to fill neighborhood streets this week for Halloween, Geisinger health experts are reminding families that a few simple precautions can help ensure the night’s only scares come from costumes and haunted houses.
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to safety information shared by Geisinger. With trick-or-treating events taking place across the Juniata Valley this weekend, health professionals are encouraging parents, drivers and community leaders to make safety a priority.
“We don’t ever want to see a child coming in from an injury related to trick-or-treating. It’s a fun time of the year for kids,” said Judy Egly, pediatric trauma injury prevention coordinator at Geisinger.
Despite the seasonal reminders, Egly said Geisinger treats children every year for injuries related to Halloween activities.
Be seen and be safe
One of the biggest dangers on Halloween is reduced visibility. Children often wear dark costumes while walking outdoors after sunset, making it more difficult for motorists to spot them.
To help children stay visible, Egly recommends adding glow sticks, flashlights, reflective tape or reflective wristbands to costumes.
“Make sure your child is seen by using glow sticks, flash lights, retro-reflective tape and reflective wristbands, anything like that to make your kiddo visible,” Egly said.
Reflective trick-or-treat bags can provide additional visibility, especially when children are crossing streets or walking between homes.
Costume choices can also play a role in preventing injuries. Geisinger recommends choosing bright-colored or reflective costumes whenever possible and selecting outfits labeled flame resistant.
Parents are encouraged to use face paint instead of masks, which can limit a child’s field of vision. Properly fitting costumes and comfortable shoes can also help prevent trips and falls while children are walking from house to house.
Another recommendation is to test face paint before Halloween night to make sure children do not experience allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Novelty colored contact lenses may add to a costume, but health experts warn they can cause eye injuries or allergic reactions if they do not fit properly.
Drivers play an important role
Halloween safety is not just the responsibility of parents and trick-or-treaters.
Egly said drivers should expect increased pedestrian traffic and anticipate children crossing streets unexpectedly.
“Drivers should be on the alert for kids crossing mid-block instead of at the intersection,” she said. “They should slow down especially. Keep your phones from being a distraction in the vehicle as well.”
Children can become excited while collecting candy and may not always follow traffic patterns. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed in residential neighborhoods and remain especially vigilant during trick-or-treating hours.
Children can improve their own safety by staying on sidewalks when available, using crosswalks and looking both ways before entering the street. Younger children should be accompanied by adults, while older children are encouraged to travel in groups.
Communities can help, too
Creating a safe Halloween takes cooperation from entire communities.
Egly said municipalities and event organizers should ensure street lights are functioning properly and sidewalks are safe and accessible. Additional police patrols and community volunteers can also contribute to a safer environment for families.
Homeowners can help by keeping walkways clear, repairing hazards and turning on exterior lighting for visiting trick-or-treaters.
Watch out for look-alike treats
Along with traditional Halloween safety concerns, Geisinger physicians are warning families about another danger that may be hidden among the candy.
Marijuana edibles, including THC-infused gummies, chocolates and baked goods, often resemble ordinary snacks and treats. Because they can be difficult to distinguish from regular candy, they pose a growing risk to young children.
“That makes them a hazard to keep in your house,” said Dr. Rich Lambert, a pediatric critical care specialist at Geisinger. “Accidental ingestion of even a small amount of marijuana can have grave health implications for a child.”
Children are particularly vulnerable because THC affects them much more severely than adults.
According to Lambert, symptoms of accidental THC ingestion can include extreme drowsiness, difficulty walking or talking, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, confusion, agitation, seizures and breathing problems. In severe cases, children can become unresponsive or fall into a coma.
Lambert said Geisinger has treated children suffering serious complications after consuming marijuana edibles.
“We recently admitted several smaller children to our pediatric intensive care unit,” he said. “They were so badly affected, they were intubated and placed on a ventilator because they went into respiratory failure.”
Store edibles like medicine
Healthcare providers recommend treating marijuana edibles the same way families would handle prescription medications.
Products should be stored in child-resistant containers, kept locked away and placed completely out of children’s sight and reach. Experts also recommend keeping edible products separate from regular food or candy.
Parents should make sure grandparents, babysitters and houseguests understand safe storage practices and should teach children to always ask a trusted adult before eating unfamiliar treats.
If a child is suspected of consuming a marijuana edible, caregivers should immediately contact Poison Control at 800-222-1222. Emergency services should be contacted if a child experiences seizures, breathing problems or becomes unresponsive.
With a little planning and extra attention, healthcare professionals say families can keep Halloween focused on costumes, candy and community rather than preventable injuries.
After all, the only thing haunting children this Halloween should be ghosts, goblins and perhaps a stomachache from too much candy.