Newark, NJ -- Halloween
is an exciting time of year for children. The last thing that
any parent wants is an accident or injury to ruin the holiday. However,
roughly four times as many children aged 5-14 are injured while
walking on Halloween evening as compared with other evenings
of the year, and falls are a leading cause of injuries among
children on that night. By using safety tips and common sense,
families can help their youngsters to make the most of Halloween
events.
“Children
need to be supervised by a parent or guardian on Halloween
to avoid any injury,” says Joshua Rosenblatt,
MD, Chairman of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of
New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. “Pedestrian
fatalities involving children most frequently occur between
4 PM and 8 PM which is prime trick-or-treating time. Special
precautions should be taken to ensure safety.”
To help little ghosts and goblins have a safe holiday,
here are some tips from Children’s Hospital of New
Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
ALL DRESSED UP:
- 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.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for
greater visibility.
- Masks can limit or block eyesight. Consider non-toxic makeup
and decorative hats instead.
- When shopping for costumes, purchase those with a label 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 too long. A child may be easily
hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and
their escorts.
- Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency
or become lost.
HOME SAFE HOME:
- To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents
should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child
could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
- Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out
bulbs.
- Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite
a trick-or-treater.
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
- A responsible adult should always accompany young children
on their neighborhood rounds.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the
route. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home
or car for a treat.
- Stay in a group and discuss where they will be going. Carry
a cell phone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys. Never cross between parked
cars or out driveways.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing
Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others
will!
About CHNJ
Children's Hospital of New Jersey, located at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center and part of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System,
is the state's premier hospital caring for children, with specialized
services to treat ill and injured children from newborn to adolescent
years as well as preventive programs that promote wellness in the
community. For a referral to a pediatrician or pediatric specialist,
please call 1-888-724-7123. Follow us on Twitter: get real time
news from the Saint Barnabas Health Care System at www.twitter.com/barnabas_health .
Date: September 30, 2009
CONTACT: Beth Salamon, Public Relations, (973) 322-4926
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