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FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS. HALLOWEEN SAFETY. CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTATION PROGRAM MISSOURI DEPT. OF HEALTH & SENIOR SERVICES AND YOUR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
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FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS HALLOWEEN SAFETY CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTATION PROGRAM MISSOURI DEPT. OF HEALTH & SENIOR SERVICES AND YOUR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
October is the month that children visit neighborhoods all across America in search of “tricks and treats.” Halloween should be a fun and enjoyable time for children. During this time of year, children often engage in “play-acting” by dressing up as their favorite storybook characters or super heroes. Research shows that by encouraging children to engage in play-acting and dramatic play, it serves to foster their growth, creativity, and development. Here are some safety tips to help ensure that this Halloween is safer and more fun for both children and parents. North Carolina Child Care, American Red Cross
Halloween Safety for Centers • Keep areas free of any trip hazards (extension cords, decorations) • Paint jack-o-lanterns or children can help but adults only should carve • Don’t use open flames (candles or luminaries) • Make sure costumes fit properly (no choking or tripping hazards).
Halloween Safety for Centers • Discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior with children • Best to serve wrapped treats, or home made if prepared by child care center staff • No treats served that haven’t been checked by staff/adult • No hard candies given to young (choking hazard) • Be conscious of food allergies
Halloween Safety for Home/Neighborhood/Parents • Young children always accompanied by adult • Choose costumes that are bright, or use reflective tape • Have children wear shoes that fit well • Costumes short enough to prevent tripping /entanglement • Don’t use masks that limit vision
Halloween Safety for Home/Neighborhood/Parents • Test make up beforehand for sensitivity • Use flame resistant costumes if possible • Be cautious of open fires/flames • Remind kids to stop, drop and roll if costume does contact flame • Always have an adult check treats after trick or treating
Halloween Safety for Home/Neighborhood/Parents • Remind Children to call 9-1-1 if they get lost or there’s an emergency • Trick or treat in a group • Walk slowly • Carry a flashlight (check batteries) • Walk on sidewalks, not in street • Only go to homes you know • Don’t let children go inside a stranger’s home or vehicle
Halloween Safety for Home/Neighborhood/Parents • Keep you own yard / sidewalk free of tripping hazards (flower pots, hoses, wires, low tree limbs) and open flames • Drive with extra caution and watch for trick or treat-ers • Serve children a light meal beforehand so they don’t fill up on candy • Manage amount of candy they are allowed to have daily after the holiday
Halloween Safety for Home/Neighborhood/Parents • Check your outdoor lighting and replace burned out bulbs • Keep pets restrained • Call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency
Sources http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/pdf_forms/halloween_safety.pdf http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx