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To keep this Halloween fun and safe, use common sense and follow these tips:
- Try to avoid using wick candles, particularly if they are near flammable items such as curtains. Even a candle in a carved jack-o’-lantern can become a fire hazard. Whenever possible, use alternatives such as battery-operated candles or glow sticks. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
- Remove any potential hazards on your property for trick or treaters. This includes wet leaves or decorations that could become tripping hazards.
- Cross the street at designated crosswalks. If trick or treating after dark, make your costume as visible as possible, e.g. light colors or reflective materials
- Carry a cell phone while away from home. Make sure to designate an “in case of emergency” or “ICE” person in your phone book.
- For people who have allergies, take special care with the candy and other consumables on Halloween. Depending on a person’s allergy severity, even wrapped candy that doesn’t contain the allergen but that was in physical content with an allergen-containing item can pose a safety issue. In in question, ingredients and potential allergens are listed on candy, even on the smaller pieces. If in doubt, go online to check the contents of an item or air on the side of caution and don’t consume the candy if you are not sure if it is allergen free. You can also look for homes displaying a teal pumpkin. This is a sign that the home has non-food treats safe for anyone with a food allergy.
- Try out any new makeup or materials that you plan to wear on Halloween before that date to ensure there is no allergic or other negative reaction to the item.
Following these suggestions will help leave the bandaging to the costumed mummies.
— Sanjey Gupta, MD, chair of emergency medicine at Southside Hospital
