Halloween is one of those nights kids look forward to all year. Between picking out costumes, visiting neighbors around Gastonia and coming home with a bucket full of candy, there’s plenty to be excited about.
But with busy streets, dark sidewalks, costumes that can make it harder to see and an assortment of unfamiliar treats, Halloween can also come with a few safety concerns. A little preparation can help your family enjoy the night while reducing the risk of common injuries and food-allergy reactions without the trip to AFC Gastonia.
Make Costumes Safe for Walking
A great costume should be fun, but it also needs to be practical enough for walking from house to house.
Before heading out, check that:
- Costumes fit properly and aren’t dragging on the ground.
- Shoes are comfortable and easy to walk in.
- Masks don’t block vision or make it difficult to breathe.
- Accessories aren’t sharp, oversized or difficult to carry.
- Costumes are easy to see in low-light conditions.
Consider using face paint instead of a mask if possible. Glow sticks, reflective tape or other bright accessories can also help make children more visible to drivers.
Watch for Common Trick-or-Treat Injuries
Halloween injuries don’t always come from anything particularly scary. Trips, falls and collisions can happen when kids are excited and focused on getting to the next house.
Remind children to slow down around stairs, uneven sidewalks and driveways. Flashlights can help illuminate dark areas, while adults should keep an eye out for hazards along the route.
It’s also a good idea to make sure children aren’t running into the street or crossing between parked cars. Whenever possible, stick to sidewalks and cross at designated crosswalks.
Check Candy Before Anyone Digs In
For many kids, sorting through their Halloween candy is almost as exciting as collecting it. But it’s important to wait until an adult has had a chance to look everything over. Before eating treats, check for:
- Torn or opened wrappers
- Homemade treats from unknown sources
- Small items that could be choking hazards
- Ingredients that may trigger a food allergy
- Candy that looks unusual or damaged
If your child has a known food allergy, review labels carefully and make sure they understand which foods they need to avoid.
Be Extra Careful With Food Allergies
Halloween can be especially challenging for children with food allergies because candy and treats may contain common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy or wheat.
If your child has a food allergy, consider:
Read every label. Don’t assume a familiar-looking candy is safe. Ingredients and manufacturing information can vary between products.
Keep safe treats separate. Having allergy-friendly candy available can make it easier for your child to participate without feeling left out.
Know the signs of an allergic reaction. Hives, itching, swelling, vomiting, coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing can all be signs of a reaction.
Carry prescribed emergency medication. If your child has an epinephrine auto-injector, make sure it is available throughout the evening and that responsible adults know where it is.
If someone develops trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction, use epinephrine if prescribed and call 911 immediately.
Don’t Forget About Choking Hazards
Some Halloween treats and small toys can pose choking risks, particularly for younger children. Check your child’s candy before they start eating and remove anything that isn’t age-appropriate. Younger children should also be supervised while eating.
And remember that a candy-filled bucket doesn’t have to be finished in one night. Saving some treats for later can help prevent stomachaches and gives you another opportunity to check what’s being eaten.
What Should You Do If a Halloween Injury Happens?
Even with careful planning, accidents happen. Minor cuts, scrapes and bumps can often be handled at home with basic first aid. For injuries that may need additional evaluation, urgent care can be a convenient option. Depending on the injury, a provider can examine the affected area, determine whether further testing such as an X-ray is needed and recommend appropriate treatment.
However, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, serious head injuries, difficulty breathing or other potentially life-threatening situations require emergency medical attention.
Have a Safe and Happy Halloween in Gastonia
Halloween should be about costumes, candy and making memories, not spending the evening worrying about every possible mishap or taking a trip to AFC Gastonia. Taking a few extra minutes to check costumes, plan a safe trick-or-treating route and review candy can help your family enjoy the night with greater peace of mind.
If a minor injury or illness does happen while you’re celebrating Halloween around Gastonia, AFC Gastonia is here to provide convenient medical care when you need it.