By Rita Colorito on October 26, 2011 in
Halloween accounts for 5 percent of all candy eaten for the year, says an USA Today report. But that's not the scary statistic I'm talking about -- though I'm sure your kid's dentist would disagree.
The night for ghosts and goblins is a busy night for injuries. Each year the Consumer Product Safety Commission receives reports of accidents involving costumes, décor, and lighting. Use the following to avoid the three most often seen Halloween harms.
The hair-raising hurts
Being hit by a car: A child is four times more likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than any other time, according to Cinncinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Avoid it by:
- Making children visible to cars, by having them carry a flashlight or wear a glow stick or reflective bracelet.
- Adding reflective tape or stickers to costumes or treat bags.
- Reminding children to look both ways when crossing streets.
- Fitting masks properly so that children can see out of them, specifically to see what's coming down the road.
Burn injuries: Halloween ranks among the top 5 days of the year for candle-related fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In addition, decorations are the first thing to ignite in more than 1,000 reported home fires each year.
Avoid it by:
- Never leaving a burning candle, indoors or out, unattended. Make sure they are away from any flammable materials, such as curtains or Halloween decorations, advises the CPSC.
- Considering battery-operated flameless candles and other flameless lighting as alternatives to traditional candles.
- Keeping candles and candle-lit jack o' lanterns away from landings and doorsteps, where costumes could brush against the flame.
- Using fabrics that are inherently flame resistant, such as nylon and polyester when making homemade costumes. Costumes sold at retail must meet federal Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA) requirements to be flame resistant.
Cuts and bruises: The CPSC says Halloween is a prime time for tripping accidents.
Avoid it by:
- Making sure costumes don't drag on ground.
- Checking that masks and other headgear don't block children's view.
- Clearing the pathway to your door of any obstructions.
To make sure your Halloween scares remain just in fun, follow the CPSC's three-step safety check.
As for the Halloween candy and heading off childhood cavities: You might want to do what the USA Today reporter uncovered, and steal your kid's candy for yourself.
