While ghosts, goblins, and witches will soon be roaming the streets, safety doesn’t have to be as scary.  Let’s go over some tips to keep your trick-or-treaters safe and sound.

Costume Caution: Dress to Impress (and Stay Safe!)

Sure, that vampire cape and those mummy bandages look awesome, but let’s make sure they don’t cause any real scares! Here’s how to make sure costumes are safe:

• Glow in the Dark: Add some reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes and candy bags so your little monsters are visible when the sun sets.
• Trip-Proof Costumes: Keep hems short and shoes comfy—no one wants a tumble down the sidewalk because their ghost sheet was too long. Tripping or falling accounts for the second highest number of Halloween injuries.
• Face Paint vs Masks: Masks can be tricky to see through, so opt for non-toxic face paint to create those eerie effects. A clear view keeps your little pumpkins from tripping or not noticing cars or other hazards.

Safe Snacking: Before the Candy Binge

Before the candy craze begins, make sure your little goblins are fueled up and ready for a safe night of trick-or-treating.

• Snack First: Give kids a small meal or snack before they head out, so they’re less tempted to eat candy before it’s inspected.
• Candy Check: Before diving into the treats, have an adult inspect for any unwrapped goodies or suspicious-looking sweets. While it’s rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
• Allergy Alert: If your child has food allergies, or if they are young and have not been exposed to a variety of foods, don’t take a chance on new food until you are safe and can supervise them. For known allergies, carry an EpiPen or other necessary medications while trick-or-treating, just in case. Remind them to avoid homemade treats unless you know the source. The first signs of an allergic reaction are hives (an itchy, raised rash), swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, and difficulty breathing. If you see any of these signs, call 911 or go the emergency department right away.

Keep the Haunting Safe and Fun

Here’s a scary statistic – children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween as on any other night of the year. Walking in the dark and low visibility plays a big role in these accidents. With all the excitement of Halloween night, it’s easy to forget about staying safe amidst the fun. But a few simple guidelines can make sure your little monsters enjoy the evening without any scares.

• Use Crosswalks: Remind kids to always cross the street at corners and crosswalks. Even though the excitement is high, it’s important to look both ways before crossing.
• Stay on Sidewalks: Walking on sidewalks or paths helps avoid cars, while darting into the street can be dangerous. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Stick Together: A group of ghouls is always safer than one. Trick-or-treat with friends or family, and make sure a responsible adult tags along with younger kids.

• House Rules: Only approach well-lit homes with porch lights on, and avoid cutting through dark yards or alleys.
• Bring a Flashlight: Data shows that about 63% of children trick-or-treat in the dark without a flashlight, which reduces their visibility and makes them harder to spot by motorists.

Watch Out for Little Monsters on the Move

It’s not just the kids who need to be cautious—drivers, take note!

• Slow Down, its Spooky Out There: Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night, especially when driving through neighborhoods. Kids might dart into the street faster than a vampire in the sun!
• Turn on Your Headlights Early: Even if it’s not dark yet, headlights can help make you more visible to pedestrians.
• Take Extra Care: Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully, and expect to see kids around every corner.
• Don’t Drink and Drive: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 44% of all crashes resulting in a fatality on Halloween night involved a drunk driver. Make sure to line up safe and sober transportation on your way to and from Halloween parties. Drunk driving accidents are three times more likely to occur on October 31 than on New Year’s Eve.

Remember: Halloween Is About Fun, Not Fear!

Following these simple tips can help you and your family enjoy a good time without any real scares. So, grab your broomstick, throw on your best costume, and get ready to fill up those candy bags—just remember to stay safe while you do!

Happy Haunting, and may your Halloween be filled with more treats than tricks! 🎃👻

Rebecca Huebsch, Director of Emergency Medical Services

About Perham Health 

Perham Health is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with three primary care clinics, a 96-bed nursing home, home health care agency, adult day services, memory care assisted living, and senior housing.  The medical staff consists of 24 physicians, a nurse midwife, 14 advance practice clinicians, and three chiropractors. Visit perhamhealth.org to learn more.