Halloween safety tips so it's just a Boo, not a Boo-Hoo

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio –  It’s that time of year again when the cutest little ghosts, goblins, super heroes and princesses will take to the streets, seeing who can gather the most candy. 

While not putting a damper on the fun and treats, there are a few things to keep in mind for the health and safety of our children. Beggar’s Night for the base and surrounding areas is Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. As usual, you might see McGruff handing out treats and ensuring the little beggars are safe.

Some costumes, however cute or awesome they might be, can restrict a child’s vision, hearing or cause a tripping hazard. Keep these concerns in mind when choosing your child’s costume. Sometimes, face painting may be a preferred part of the costume, because it keeps the child’s peripheral vision clear while also allowing their hearing to not be impacted.

Additionally, provide your youngster with a flashlight so they can see where they are walking, and reflective tape along the sides of their costumes will help motorists readily see the youngsters.

Now that the costumes have been addressed, let’s review when and where to eat treats, talk to strangers, or pet pets. Instruct your children to not eat any of the treats until you have inspected them. As parents, ensure there are no additives or ingredients that your child may be allergic to, especially homemade treats.

"A healthy dinner before trick-or-treating can be a good way to limit candy-eating on Halloween, and it makes it more likely that the candy will be returning home for a responsible adult to examine," said Maj. Joshua Duncan, pediatrician and chief resident for General Preventive Medicine Residency with the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.

 

"Treats don't have to be candy - consider passing out things like coloring books, pencils, or stickers. I even know some people who pass out toothbrushes!" he said.

The base safety office also provided Halloween safety tips from the Red Cross
:

           

  • Walk on sidewalks, not in the streets

  • Look both ways before crossing the street

  • Cross the street only at corners

  • Don't hide between or cross the street between parked cars

  • Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible

  • Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you

  • Carry a flashlight to light your way

  • Keep away from open flames and candles: Costumes can be extremely flammable

  • Visit homes that have porch light on

  • Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house

  • Use face paint rather than mask that will impair your vision

  • Be cautious of animals and strangers

  • Have a grown-up inspect your treats before you eat them

  • Don't eat candy if the package is already opened

  • Remember, small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children

Lastly, talk to your children about not going into houses, backyards or cars with any trick or treaters or person (young or old) who is not their parent or designated guardian--even if they know them or not or if they’re invited in to pet the puppy or kitty. Let them know that even very cute pets that they don’t know can pose a threat to them, and sometimes pets are used as a ruse to tempt a child.