LIVINGSTON, NJ -- With Halloween approaching, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, wants to remind parents that by following a few simple guidelines, this night of candy bars and pumpkins can be a safe and enjoyable event for their little ones.
“Please remind your children that there is safety in numbers,” says Jeanne Weintraub, director of the Pediatrics Outreach Education program at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “Go trick or treating together, which means go out together, walk together, come home together and keep an eye on each other!”
Of primary importance, says Mrs. Weintraub, is that all children have an “escort” on their Halloween rounds. A parent or older sibling should accompany youngsters on a block with familiar neighbors. Families should avoid unfamiliar or sparsely populated areas and only go to homes that have a porch or inside light on.
Other tips:
- All children should travel on a route that has been discussed and should adhere to a curfew for returning home. Trick or treaters should stay on the sidewalks if possible and avoid busy roads. When crossing the street, cross from one street corner to another instead of zigzagging back and forth in the road.
- Also, for better visibility, begin your outing while it is still light outside.
- Ms. Weintraub reminds parents that since Daylight Savings Time ends on October 29, there will be less daylight for little goblins and ghosts making their rounds on Halloween.
- When parents help their children to choose a costume, they should look for non-toxic make-up and masks which do not impair vision or breathing. Avoid costumes with long gowns which may trip your child. Also, choose light or brightly colored costumes for better visibility and add reflective tape. A flashlight with fresh batteries can also help light the way from home to home.
- Children should be told not to eat candy before it is inspected by a parent and candy which has been previously opened should be thrown away. Children should never eat fruit from strangers and should also avoid home-made cookies unless you know the neighbor well. Serve dinner before your child goes trick-or-treating to help control his or her appetite for candy while collecting.
- Finally, parents may consider taking children trick or treating at the local mall, or to an organized school or community party.
For more information about the Pediatric Ambulatory Health Center or Pediatric Outreach Education program at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, please call (973) 322-5400.
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