It’s hard to believe that October is almost over.  Remember how we all thought time was standing still a year ago?  Halloween is just around the corner!  It has been a while since everyone has had to remember exactly what to do when it comes to Halloween safety. 

The first thing everyone should consider is costume safety.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a list of reminders that may have been forgotten.   

1. Make certain that costume choices are made before the day arrives. All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.  If you are allowing your child(ren) out after dark, be sure to fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags. Glow sticks can serve the purpose as well.  
2. To help with vision safety, opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks.  Certain masks and hats may obscure vision.  It’s better to patch test makeup in a small area of the skin prior to applying it to the whole body, to see if any irritation develops. Just as importantly, please be sure to remove all makeup before a child goes to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation. 

Here is something that will frighten any parent or guardian.  Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.  Scary right? A lack of visibility due to low lighting at night can also play a factor that can cause these accidents. As a parent, guardian or caregiver, there are things you can do to increase safety for your child(ren) this Halloween. Here are a few practical safety tips:   

1. Make certain a responsible adult accompanies young children on their neighborhood rounds.  If you have older children who are going alone or with friends, plan ahead, determine how to stay in touch and know what route they will take. Plan for what route and agree on a specific time when they should return home. 
2. Never enter a stranger’s car or home.  You may want to implement a rule that trick-or-treaters should not go beyond the entry doors to increase safety. Children should only travel in familiar, well-lit areas and not wander away from groups.   
3. The old rule of “never eat anything before you get home” is still a reasonable action to take.  All candy and other items handed out should be checked for foreign items and something that looks like it may have been tampered with. This also provides a way in which to scan for any items that may cause food allergies to flare up. 

Here is a reminder for all: Put your phone or electronic devices down.  If ever there was a time when all eyes should be focused ahead, this is it.  Wherever there is low lighting, an unfamiliar route, the chance of an accident increases.  The important advice of “walk, don’t run” and “look both ways before crossing the street” are very important to remember! As the data shows, accidents are more likely to kill or injure a child on Halloween.  With that in mind, all drivers that will be out when children will be trick-or-treating should remember to watch for children on roadways, medians, and curbs. Children may be unaware of the potential dangers of this holiday and therefore all drivers are encouraged to enter and exit all driveways very cautiously.  Taking the time ahead of time to prepare and get all the plans made will pay off with a fun and memorable time for both kids and parents! Have a safe and happy Halloween! 

Debbie Kulick 

Pocono Mountains United Way Board Member 

Emergency Management Technician, Bushkill Emergency Corps.