October 29, 1996

PROTECT YOUR TRICK-OR-TREATERSSPRINGFIELD, IL -- Ghosts, goblins and other creatures that go bump in the night make Halloween a favorite childhood holiday. To make sure it is a safe holiday, parents need to remember some important rules.

"Halloween can be one of the most dangerous nights of the year for young children," says Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "It is important for parents and other caregivers not only to outfit children in safe costumes but to review important safety tips with children before they go trick-or-treating."

The majority of injuries that occur during Halloween are caused by falls, contact with motor vehicles and burns. Follow these safety suggestions for a safe holiday:

• Falls. Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping and that shoes fit properly. Hats should fit securely so they do not obstruct vision. Try using face paint or cosmetics rather than a mask, which can obstruct a child's vision. If a child does wear a mask, parents should be sure that it fits securely and that the eye holes are large enough for full vision. Props, such as knives or swords, should be flexible. Children should carry a flashlight and should be instructed to stay on sidewalks at all times.
• Pedestrian injuries. Make sure children can be seen by dressing them in light or bright colored costumes or decorating costumes with reflective tape. Remind children to walk from house to house, to stop at all corners, to cross streets only at intersections and crosswalks, to check all directions for traffic and to never dart into a street from between parked cars.
• Burns. Look for "flame resistant" labels on costumes, masks, beards and wigs. Use fire resistant material when making costumes. Avoid costumes made of flimsy material and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

Other general safety rules to follow for the Halloween holiday include --

• Trick-or-treaters should travel in groups. Children younger than 10 years of age should always be accompanied by an adult or an older sibling.
• Attach the name, address and phone number (including area code) to the clothes of children younger than 12 years of age. Also, teach children their phone number and make sure they have change to call home if a problem arises.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along a pre-established route and to stop only at homes with porch or outside lights on. Set a time for children to return home.
• Keep steps, lawns and porches clear of obstacles and keep jack-o-lanterns lit with candles away from landings or doorsteps where costumes might brush against the flame.
• Tell children to bring treats home before eating them. Parents should check treats for possible tampering. Be careful with fruit; inspect the surface closely for punctures or holes and cut it open before allowing a child to eat it.
• Make it clear that children never should enter a home or an apartment building unless accompanied by an adult.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments