Halloween is one of those nights when Chattanooga neighborhoods come alive. Kids head out in costumes, porches fill with decorations, and candy bags seem to get heavier with every stop. Between trick-or-treating, Halloween parties and outdoor activities, there’s plenty of fun to be had. But with excited kids, dark sidewalks, elaborate costumes and lots of candy, Halloween can also come with a few unexpected hazards.
The good news? A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping your family safe. From preventing trips and falls to watching for food allergies, here are some simple ways to enjoy Halloween without an unwanted trip to AFC Chattanooga Northshore.
Make Costumes Safe for Walking
A great costume should be fun, but it also needs to be easy to move around in. Long capes, oversized accessories and masks that limit vision can make it harder for kids to see where they’re going.
Before heading out, check that:
- Costumes fit well and aren’t dragging on the ground.
- Shoes are comfortable and easy to walk in.
- Masks don’t block a child’s vision.
- Props aren’t sharp, heavy or difficult to carry.
- Reflective tape or bright colors are added to darker costumes.
If a costume includes a mask, consider face paint instead when appropriate, as long as the products are safe for use on the skin.
Watch for Trips, Falls and Other Injuries
Halloween often means walking on sidewalks, driveways and unfamiliar paths after dark. Add excited trick-or-treaters to the mix, and it’s easy for a simple stumble to turn into a scraped knee, sprained ankle or other injury.
Remind children to slow down when crossing streets, use sidewalks when available and watch for uneven pavement, stairs and other obstacles. Adults can help by carrying a flashlight and staying close, especially with younger children.
And if someone does take a tumble, don’t assume every injury is minor. Significant swelling, severe pain, difficulty putting weight on an injured leg or arm, or an obvious deformity may warrant medical evaluation.
Don’t Forget About Visibility
It’s easy to focus on costumes and candy and forget one of the biggest Halloween safety concerns: being seen.
With trick-or-treating often happening around dusk or after dark, drivers may have a harder time spotting children.
Help kids stay visible by:
- Carrying a flashlight or glow stick.
- Adding reflective strips to costumes or bags.
- Choosing brightly colored clothing when possible.
- Crossing streets at designated crosswalks.
- Making eye contact with drivers before crossing.
If you’re driving through neighborhoods on Halloween night, slow down and expect children to be crossing unexpectedly.
Be Careful With Halloween Candy
For many kids, candy is the highlight of Halloween. But for children with food allergies, that overflowing candy bucket can require a little more attention.
Before your child eats anything, check the ingredient label and make sure the candy is safe for them. Don’t rely solely on the appearance of a piece of candy, since ingredients and manufacturing processes can vary.
It’s also a good idea to remind children not to trade candy with friends if they have a known food allergy.
Parents of children with severe allergies should make sure their child has access to any prescribed emergency medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, and that trusted adults know what to do in an emergency.
Know the Signs of an Allergic Reaction
Food allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
- Hives or an itchy rash
- Swelling of the lips, face or tongue
- Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening. If someone is having trouble breathing, has significant swelling of the mouth or throat, becomes faint or shows other signs of a severe reaction, use prescribed epinephrine if available and seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Check Candy Before It Gets Eaten
A quick inspection can also help prevent other Halloween mishaps. Look for candy that’s unwrapped, damaged or appears unusual, and throw it away rather than taking a chance.
For younger children, keep an eye out for choking hazards. Hard candies, small toys and certain treats may not be appropriate for young kids. It’s perfectly fine to let children sort through their candy haul before digging in. It gives parents a chance to check labels while kids get to admire everything they collected.
What If Halloween Doesn’t Go as Planned?
Even with the best preparation, accidents happen. A scraped knee, minor cut, sprained ankle or other non-life-threatening injury can put a quick pause on Halloween festivities.
AFC Chattanooga Northshore can help with many common minor injuries and illnesses when your family needs convenient care. And if an injury or reaction is severe or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. With a little planning, your family can focus less on Halloween hazards and more on the things that make the night fun: creative costumes, neighborhood decorations and, of course, a well-earned stash of candy.
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