HEALTH FIRST: Keep These Tips in Mind to Make Halloween Safe and Enjoyable

By  //  October 30, 2022

tips and hazards to be aware of for Halloween

Fall is in full swing. Pumpkins are at almost every doorstep as kids plan their scary costumers and eager to dive into pillowcases and buckets full of candy. “Our kids should enjoy a fun, safe Halloween, but it’s crucial we don’t let our guard down for just one day when we’re still trying to overcome the pandemic,” said Julie Newhouse, an Emergency Department Manager with Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center.

Trick-or-treating is fun, exciting — but safety remains top priority.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Fall is in full swing. Pumpkins are at almost every doorstep as kids plan their scary costumers and eager to dive into pillowcases and buckets full of candy.

Sure, the holidays are a little different because of the virus but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t remain vigilant.

Halloween not only brings excitement for our kids but also anxiety for parents, which is understandable. COVID-19 is still top of our minds, too, and we strongly urge everyone to stay safe when trick-or-treating.

“Our kids should enjoy a fun, safe Halloween, but it’s crucial we don’t let our guard down for just one day when we’re still trying to overcome the pandemic,” said Julie Newhouse, an Emergency Department Manager with Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center.

“It’s important that we all take precautions to ensure everyone stays safe on Halloween and well after into the upcoming holidays, too.”

We encourage everyone, including kids, to wear and incorporate facemasks with their costumes when going door-to-door, travel in small groups and limit congregating at doorsteps to a minimum.

“Our kids should enjoy a fun, safe Halloween, but it’s crucial we don’t let our guard down for just one day when we’re still trying to overcome the pandemic,” said Julie Newhouse, an Emergency Department Manager with Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center. (Health First image)

Here are some other tips and hazards Newhouse recommends to keep in mind to help ensure the safety of your family, friends and loved ones.

■ Food Allergies — If your child has food allergies, please be aware of the types of candy your child may be exposed to. This is vital and needs to be addressed. Always have the appropriate medication available if your child requires immediate attention for certain allergies.
■ Sugar Binges — Limiting the amount of sweet treats will help decrease the need to visit the ED for upset stomachs and even abdominal pain.
■ Choking Hazards — Children can put candy or lollipops in their mouths, forget it’s there and start running around, which can cause them to choke and possibly trip, too. This fall could lead to a potential injury to the mouth, throat, and limbs.
■ Use Crosswalks — While drivers are very cautious on Halloween, driving through neighborhoods is still a risk for children who can sometimes dart into streets. Unnoticed by the driver, this safety concern could possibly lead to potential injury to the child. As a parent, it is important that everyone uses crosswalks to ensure your child is visible to motorists. Providing a flashlight, adding reflective tape to costumes or even wearing a glow stick will help improve visibility.
■ Candy Inspection — It is crucial to educate children to have their candy inspected before eating. This will help to ensure there is no potential harm to your child. If there is any candy that is questionable or appears altered, discard right away.

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