Halloween Safety Tips From American Medical Response

Halloween should be fun and scary, not dangerous and scary. American Medical Response (AMR) in Gulfport reminds everyone to take extra precautions when celebrating the spookiest day of the year. Twice as many children are hit by cars while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year. With added concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety should be top priorities for every family this Halloween.

Dressing appropriately for trick-or-treating and carefully planning your evening can increase the likelihood of a safe and injury-free Halloween.

AMR recommends that, before trick-or-treating this year, parents and guardians consider the following safety tips:

• Consider celebrating at home as a family or attending virtual or outdoor celebrations instead of traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating
• If you do opt to trick-or-treat, seek out one-way events where wrapped treat bags are lined up for children to grab while maintaining good social distance
• Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult
• Travel only in familiar, well-lit areas
• Never enter a stranger’s home
• Maintain 6-feet of social distance at all times
• Follow all state mandates on facial coverings. The CDC recommends children ages 2 and above wear masks in public settings or when around people who do not live in your household.
• Agree on a specific time to return home
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries to help see and be seen
• Review pedestrian and traffic safety rules
• Do not to eat any treats until they are inspected by adults

When making or purchasing Halloween costumes, follow these safety precautions to ensure your children remain safe while looking great:

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags for better nighttime visibility
• Halloween makeup should be non-toxic
• Do not wear a costume mask over a protective facial covering because it can cause difficulty breathing. Instead, opt for a Halloween-themed facial covering. Non-toxic makeup or decorative hats are safer than Halloween masks, which can also limit or block eyesight
• Wear good-fitting costumes and shoes to avoid trips and falls

For more information on Halloween safety, visit the National Safety Council’s website at www.nsc.org.