Halloween Safety Tips to Keep Your Goblins Healthy and Happy

​Halloween is an exciting time for kids and adults.  Celebrating the hallowed eve with costumes and decorations is tons of fun.
 
Make sure your fun and your little guys and ghouls stay safe with these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
 
When carving your pumpkin:

• Small children should never carve pumpkins.  Children can draw a face with markers.  Then parents can do the cutting.
• Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by.  They should never be left unattended.

 
Costumes Considerations:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.  Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.  Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.  Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs, and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or long.  A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.

 
Making your home safe for trick or treaters:

• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Parents should remove anything from around the doorway a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick or treater.

 
When trick or treating:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• A Healthy Halloween:
• A good meal prior to parties and trick or treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats.  Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items.
• Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween.

 
For more information, visit www.aap.org
Here’s one more tip for a happier Halloween: 
If you are looking for a new 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Lafayette, La, don’t get spooked, visit the friendly representatives at Lafayette Garden Apartments and be treated to Fall Move-In Specials!

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