Quincy Reporter

Blessing Health System issued the following announcement on Oct. 25.

The day is almost here! Children are eagerly awaiting the Halloween parties, trick or treating, and festivities. We put together some tips to keep your little ghouls and goblins safe.

Costumes & Decor

Select costumes that are brightly colored or add reflective tape to dark costumes. Reflective tape or striping on treat bags or buckets is also a good idea.

Avoid decorative contact lenses. Keep your eyes safe. Contact lenses without a prescription may not fit well and could cause eye scratches, sores, infection, and vision loss.

With small children, consider pumpkin painting or markers instead of carving.

Use a flashlight or glow stick to illuminate your carved pumpkins. For candlelit pumpkins, place them on a sturdy table, away from flammable objects and not in the path of visitors or small children.

Trick or Treating

Be a good host! Clear sidewalks of tripping hazards like hoses or wet leaves for trick-or-treaters. Restrain pets that may jump or frighten children.

Consider providing a non-food treat like stickers, pencils, or temporary tattoos.

Fill up on a healthy meal to discourage children from filling up on too many sweet treats.

A parent or responsible adult should accompany all young children on trick or treating.

Bring a flashlight with fresh batteries.

For older children that can make the rounds without an adult, review safety tips:

Stay in a group of friends.

Establish agreed upon neighborhood boundaries.

Set a curfew time for when the group should return home.

Only visit houses with porch lights on.

Remind children to never enter a stranger’s home or car.

If possible, carry a cell phone for quick communication.

Use sidewalks on well-lit streets. If sidewalks are not available, walk on the side of the road against oncoming traffic.

Cross the street in a group, at the corners.

Original source can be found here.

Source: Blessing Health System