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Sponsored by Aetnaź
Halloween Safety
Every parent’s nightmare on Halloween? Tainted candy. And every year scores of hospitals
offer to X-ray Halloween goodies to protect kids from the possible tampering of malicious
strangers. But a far more common Halloween X-ray finding is likely to be broken bones.
The biggest threat to children’s well-being during the prime trick-or-treating hours of 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. comes
from something kids encounter every day –– cars. On average, four children are struck and killed by cars every
Halloween in the United States, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This is four times the fatality rate reported on any other night of the year. And because this number does not
include accidents in driveways, parking lots and on sidewalks, the actual number could be higher, according to the
CDC.
Safe Tips for Halloween Fun
Taking your children to a Halloween party is a great way to avoid both traffic and “stranger danger” issues.
However, if your kids are going to make the neighborhood rounds, follow these suggestions to help them stay safe.
Costumes
- Choose bright colors or attach reflective tape
- Avoid sharp objects
- Eliminate ropes, cords or fabrics that can choke
- Make sure masks allow for good vision
Trick or Treating
- Younger kids go with adults, 4:1 ratio preferred
- Stay in familiar neighborhoods
- Stay together
- Cross at corners, with adults
- No running
- Carry a flashlight
Candy
- Inspect candy for tampering, allergy and choking threats
- Limit consumption to avoid sickness
For more information go to:
http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2005/October2005/docs/01features_02.htm#feature02
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/default.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ | 