Essentia Health shares Halloween safety tips

(Fargo, ND) -- For the first time since 2019, COVID-19 isn’t expected to significantly alter trick-or-treating this year.

But, medical experts caution, there are still spooky considerations to keep in mind when celebrating Halloween.

Essentia Health in Fargo is sharing safety tips to follow, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which include:

• Accompany young children on their pursuit of treats. If older children are going out on their own, discuss and know the route, agree on a specific time they should return home and equip everyone with flashlights or glow sticks.
• Only go to well-lit homes and stay on well-lit sidewalks to avoid pedestrian injuries — the most common injury to children on Halloween.
• Never enter a home or car for a treat. Notify law enforcement immediately about any suspicious activity.
• Youngsters should stay in a group and have a cellphone for quick communication.
• Cross streets only at crosswalks, corners or other designated areas.
• Wear costumes that fit appropriately (to avoid tripping) and are bright and reflective, especially if your plans include being outside after dark. Reflective tape is a great way to enhance visibility.
• Avoid sharp or long swords, canes or sticks as costume accessories.
• Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks; toxic ingredients have been found in cosmetics marketed to teens and tweens.
• Wait until you’re home to eat any treats so that you can properly sort and inspect them. Adults should closely examine all treats and throw away spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Be mindful of babies and toddlers, who shouldn’t have hard candies or any other items that could be a hazard.
• Before digging into their goodies, children should thoroughly wash their hands.

“Keeping your children safe is our number one priority,” says Essentia Health pediatrician Dr. Dhilhan Marasinghe in a statement to WDAY Radio. “By following these AAP recommendations, we can guide all of our kids through a fun, safe and spooky Halloween!" 

Even if you won’t be out trick-or-treating, Essentia Health reminds you to be mindful that others will be and exercise caution. That includes driving slowly in neighborhoods, keeping an eye out for excited children, making sure your headlights are on and avoiding distractions like phones behind the wheel.