Halloween Safety

Halloween can be a fun time for kids to go out trick-or-treating, but parents should take precautions to make sure that children are safe. You want to make sure that kids wear costumes that are safe and allow children to be seen at night by motorists. Here are some tips from the Nurse Practitioner Association of Long Island in cooperation with the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Choose costumes that are bright and reflective
  
• Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility
  
• Consider using non-toxic makeup and decorative hatsas safer alternatives instead of masks
  
• Purchase costumes and wigs that are clearly labeled flame resistant
  
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of a costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long
  
• Use flashlights with fresh batteries
  
• Be sure that children know how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency
  
• Keep homes safe for trick-or-treaters by removing decorations that a child could trip over
  
• Make sure outdoor lights are working
  
• Sweep wet leaves off sidewalks and steps
  
• Children should be advised to trick-or-treat at homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat
  
• Trick-or-treaters should be advised to stay in a group, remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk
  
• Notify law enforcement immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity

Many thanks to the Nurse Practitioner Association of Long Island (NPALI) for those tips. Based in Hauppauge, NPALI is a chapter of the Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State. The local organization works together with the NYS organization for the purpose of uniting, representing and advocating for the profession.