OHSU Doernbecher offers safety tips for upcoming Halloween celebrations

Halloween

An OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patient shows off a costume and treat bag she received during a Halloween event. OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital offers tips to ensure kids and families in the community have fun safely this Halloween. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

With imaginative costumes, elaborate decorations and candy galore, Halloween is always an exciting day for families. However, the holiday also brings some risks for children and teens. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, child pedestrian injuries are more likely on Halloween than on any other night of the year.

To avoid injuries and accidents, child health and safety experts encourage parents and caregivers to take extra precautions Oct. 31. The Oregon Poison Center at Oregon Health & Science University and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center share the following tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe:

Costume considerations

• Choose a costume that is:
  • Flame-resistant
  • Light and bright
  • Does not have sharp objects
• Use face paint in place of masks when possible.
• Use reflective materials or reflectors on costumes.
• Avoid accessories that may present tripping or visibility hazards, such as capes or masks.

Street smarts

• Always accompany young children when trick-or-treating. Older children should travel in groups and create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely.
• Walk, don’t run. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters, especially around corners and alleyways.
• Beware of distracted walking and avoid texting, looking at your phone and listening to music.
• Cross the street in groups and only at designated intersections and crosswalks.
• Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

Product safety

• Glow sticks are fun and bright, but don’t let kids take a bite. The liquid inside glow sticks can cause irritation if swallowed or splashed in the eyes.
• Use caution with dry ice. Wear gloves when touching it and avoid using it in an enclosed space. Do not eat it, and do not use it in punch bowls or cups.
• Be careful with cosmetics. Only use nontoxic face paints. Thow away makeup that has expired and always test on a small patch of skin before use.
• Some medicine and drugs look like candy. Keep drugs, including cannabis edibles, out of reach and sight of kids to avoid mix ups; locking it up is best.
• Always keep an eye on what your children have in their mouth and beware of choking hazards like hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn and gum.  
• Almost anything can be poisonous if used in the wrong way, in the wrong amount or by the wrong person. If you suspect a poisoning, call the Oregon Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. A trained health care professional is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call is free and confidential.

Treats, not tricks

• Caution kids never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Be sure children know their address and phone number in case they get separated from their group or chaperone, and review with your child how to call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.
• Instances of Halloween candy being contaminated or poisoned are extremely rare. Allergens and choking hazards are more common safety concerns for children and Halloween candy, so ensure you’re aware of what ingredients are in your child’s candy.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats before eating them, closely examine all treats and throw away any items that are spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious.