Trick-or-treating safety tips for Halloween

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - In just a couple of weeks, many kids will be out trick-or-treating in central Ohio neighborhoods, but there are some tips to keep your children safe heading into Halloween.

Costumes

Dr. Mike Patrick, Emergency Medicine Physician with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, recommends that kids avoid wearing any masks that obstruct their vision, while wearing bright and reflective outfits so others can see them.

"There are masks that are going to be fine as long as they have very large eye holes and you really have a good look at things," Patrick said.

Kids should also wear good fitting shoes and avoid using non toxic makeup and decorative contact lenses, which can cause eye scratches and other issues. Other items to avoid for costumes include any sharp or long objects like swords, canes and sticks. Patrick also urges parents to check that the costume is flame resistant.

Candy safety

Patrick recommends children wait to eat their candy until they get home. This is so parents can sort through what they received and take away any treats that could cause issues for those with allergies, if the treats are spoiled, unwrapped or if any other issues come about, including suspicious packaging.

"One way you can decrease the urge to munch on them is to have a meal right before you go trick or treating," Patrick said. "Figure out a way to ration the treats following Halloween so you're not binging on it and feeling sick a few hours later or the next morning."

Tips for those handing out candy for trick-or-treat

Households that are handing out candy should have a variety of options for those who have allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and chocolate. Patrick said you don't have to avoid those candies, but possibly offer items that are more sugar based or non-edible goods.

"Things like glowsticks, spider rings, vampire teeth, pencils ... lots of different things you could stick in the stash," Patrick said.

Trick-or-treating without a parent or guardian

While there isn't a set age for when kids can go trick-or-treating without parents, but it's recommended that at least one parent or guardian is in attendance for younger children.

"If they are teenagers that you trust and maybe there's a group of friends that have shown themselves to be trustworthy, then that's probably okay as long as your kids have a cellphone available," Patrick said.