As ghosts, goblins and super heroes of all ages prepare to take to neighborhood streets in search of treats this Halloween, Texas Children’s urges parents to make safety a top priority.
“Trick or treating and dressing up in costumes are Halloween traditions that kids love,” explains Susan Hirtz, manager of Texas Children’s Center for Childhood Injury Prevention. “The holiday should be filled with fun and excitement—not injuries and danger—so it’s key that parents plan their kids’ evenings with safety in mind.”
According to Hirtz, one of the most dangerous aspects of Halloween is the mixture of children and cars.
“Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year,” she says. “An adult should accompany children 12 and younger and make sure kids walk on sidewalks with flashlights or glow sticks—always staying visible to drivers.”
Children and teens should follow the usual rules for pedestrians, including crossing the street only at a crosswalk or corner after looking both ways. “It’s important for parents to teach kids never to dart out into the street—on Halloween and at any other time,” Hirtz says.
Older children and teenagers who trick or treat without adult supervision should stick to a well-lit, pre-determined route and carry a cell phone to call for help in case of emergency.
Other Halloween hazards and precautions include:
- Falls: According to Hirtz, falls are a leading cause of injuries among children on Halloween. To avoid falls, she suggests that parents and children select costumes that are short enough to avoid tripping and shoes and headgear that fit properly. Choose face paint and makeup because they do not restrict vision as masks do. Toy weapons and other props should be flexible so they do not cause an injury if the child falls. Do not let children cut across yards where stones, lawn ornaments and other hazards may be hard to see in the dark. Keep your own doorsteps and porch well lit.
- Burns: Make sure store-bought costumes and accessories are labeled “flame resistant,” and use flame-resistant material when making costumes. Avoid baggy, flimsy or billowing costumes. Keep jack-o-lanterns that are lit with candles away from doorsteps and walkways, and consider using glow sticks instead of candles.
- Choking: Parents should inspect candy and treats to make sure they are sealed and have no signs of tampering. Children under 6 should not be given hard candy or other small, round items that present a choking danger.
“Ultimately, parents want their kids to have a great evening on Halloween; planning for a safe Halloween sets the stage for a memorable and fun time,” says Hirtz.
Safety fact sheets
