Halloween Safety Advice for the Entire Family
Halloween is a fun time for kids and adults alike — but it’s not all treats. This frightfully fun holiday can also be a dangerous night, especially if you're not careful. Here are some tips to avoid a trip to the emergency room this Halloween.
1. Watch out for candles.
Candles are a big part of Halloween decorations, but they can also be a fire hazard. Make sure to keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. If you're using pumpkins with candles in them, put the pumpkin in a sturdy holder to prevent tipping.
2. Choose costumes carefully.
In the dark, it can be easy to trip and fall over a long costume, or to become invisible to drivers. Wear bright, reflective clothing or attach reflective tape to your costume. If your child's costume has long sleeves or billowing skirts, make sure they're short enough that they won't trip on them. Finally, make sure they can see and breathe well in their masks.
3. Be cautious with Halloween makeup.
Some Halloween makeup, especially the cheap kind, can contain harmful chemicals. Test it on a small area of skin first to make sure there's no allergic reaction. And be sure to remove all makeup before going to bed.
4. Double-check your candy.
There’s nothing better than coming home from a successful night of trick or treating to spill out your candy loot and see what you got. However, it’s important to make sure candy is safe before consuming. Make sure any candy your child eats is completely sealed, not expired and hasn’tbeen tampered with.
Also, if your child has a food allergy, be sure to check the ingredients beforehand. Carrying an EpiPen on Halloween night can help prevent an allergic reaction if they start snacking early. Additionally, hard candy can be a choking hazard, particularly for young children. Stick to softer candies instead.
5. Watch out for traffic.
Halloween is a popular night for parties, so there will be more cars on the road than usual. Be extra careful when crossing the street, and make sure your child is visible to drivers. It’s important to remain on the sidewalks and avoid walking in the street, as well.
If you're going to be driving on Halloween night, be extra cautious and watch out for pedestrians. Avoid speeding and driving recklessly.
6. Do not drink and drive.
Festive drinks are often a part of many Halloween celebrations for adults, which is why many towns see an increase in drunk driving over Halloween weekend. Drinking can impair your judgment and make it more difficult to stay safe. If you're going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver.
Emergency Treatment in Longview, Nacogdoches, and Odessa
We hope you have a spooktacular Halloween! However, if you do experience a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to seek the care you need. Stop into or one of our Excel ER locations in Longview, Nacogdoches, and Odessa for immediate care.
