Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Don’t let it be spoiled by an injury. Follow these quick tips to ensure your own safety and that of your child.
1. Costume Safety
Make sure that costumes and shoes fit properly and do not drag on the ground. You don’t want your child to trip! Rather than use masks that can obstruct vision, use non-toxic face paint. Make sure to remove any paint or makeup before bed to prevent irritation.
2. Beware of Choking Hazards
Watch your child around choking hazards. Hard candy, gum, toys and small candies can obstruct breathing and pose a danger to children. Be prepared for this type of incident. Review the Heimlich maneuver to remove foreign object.
3. Bring a Flashlight
Equip yourself and your child with a flashlight or headlamp. This will allow you to stay visible and to light your way to prevent tripping.
4. Stay Visible – Wear Reflective Gear
Place reflective tape, arm bands or glowsticks on your child wrists and on their trick-or-treat bag to make sure they are visible to you and vehicles.
5. Pain Relief Supplies
If you or your child takes a tumble, reduce swelling and pain. With a portable, single-use COOL instant cold pack, soothe bumps, bruises, sprains, and strains. Keep a stock of pain reliever like Tylenol or ibuprofen for minor aches and pains for you or your child. Make sure you bring water too!
6. Bring Bandage Supplies
Keep Band-Aids, gauze, antiseptic, and bandages on hand to administer first aid to scrapes, animal bites, and blisters. Don’t let a fall ruin your Halloween! Be ready to address minor lacerations to stop bleeding and protect from debris. Bring a portable compact first aid kit for easy access to all supplies.
7. Phone Numbers
Write your name and phone number on your child’s arm. Just in case, make sure your child has your phone number memorized in case they get lost. Alternatively, write it on a piece of paper and place in their bag or pocket. If your child has a cell phone, make sure it is charged and their location is on. Make sure yours is charged too! You may want to carry a portable charger on hand as an added precaution.
8. Fire Safety
Look for flame-resistant fabric. Check the inside label of a costume or wig to see if the costume is flame-resistant. Take care when lighting jack-o-lanterns. Use flameless and battery-operated flames or glowsticks to prevent potential fires.
9. Stop the Spread of Germs
Keep hand sanitizer or wipes in your bag to clean hands before eating any candy. Before you or your child eats anything, make sure to check the wrapper for tampering or potential allergens.
10. Don’t Let Your Child Go Out Alone!
Accompany your child and friends trick-or-treating. There’s safety in numbers! Put together a group to go out with for maximum fun and maximum safety. If you do let your child go alone, make sure they are in a group of at least 3.
Make safety fun by storing your supplies in a festive pumpkin bag. Your preparedness will make all the difference. Put your worries to rest. Follow eFirstAid’s tips and shop for our supplies to stay safe this holiday.
