How to Keep Your Child Safe This Halloween

Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. It's estimated that every year, 35 million children go trick-or-treating. That's a lot of candy to hand out.

However, Halloween can potentially be a dangerous time, as well. For example, children are most at risk of being hit by a car on Halloween. While the holiday is an exciting time filled with dressing up, trick-or-treating, and eating candy, it's important to help your child practice safety measures and have a healthy Halloween so they can have fun and you can have peace of mind.

We spoke with Dr. Mithila Janakiram, family medicine physician at Loyola Medicine, to learn how parents can keep their kids safe this Spooktober. "While Halloween is an exciting time, it's important to have caution and practice safety measures," says Dr. Janakiram.

Here are some Halloween safety tips to ensure your kids have a healthy and safe holiday.

Walk safely across the street on Halloween night

The scares during Halloween are meant to be fun and, most importantly, safe. You don't want to get scared yourself when your children walk across the street without practicing proper protocols. Make sure these Halloween safety precautions for kids are put in place while trick-or-treating.

• Cross the street at corners, and use traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look both ways when crossing the street.
• Have children make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Walk on sidewalks or paths when possible.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

Set trick-or-treating ground rules for older children

If your child is under 12 years old, they should always be supervised by an adult. And make sure both you and your child put down any electronic devices so that you're always aware of your surroundings. However, as your child gets older, they will probably want a little more freedom to trick-or-treat with friends or by themselves. If your kids are venturing out on their own, make sure they know how to do so safely.

• Plan and review a route acceptable to you.
• Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Teach them to never enter a stranger's home or car.
• They should only travel to familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
• Don't eat any treats until they return home.

Make your Halloween costume safe

Possibly the best part about Halloween for your child is getting to dress up as their favorite monsters or characters. However, Halloween costume safety is important, especially when your kids are walking around in the dark. Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards or customize one to make it safer.

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire resistant.
• Put reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags.
• Wear face paint and/or makeup instead of masks.
• Make sure the costume is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Keep your eyes on the road to keep trick-or-treaters safe

Even if you don't have children or aren't participating in Halloween activities, you can still do your part to keep kids safe, especially on the road. On Halloween, there are more children out than any other day, and this means more chances for car accidents. It's important to be aware and cautious when on the road during the spookiest night of the year. Some Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters include:

• Slow down and be alert, especially in residential neighborhoods. Kids could run into the street unexpectedly.
• Be extra aware at intersections, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Drive slowly and turn your headlights on early.

On Halloween, Loyola primary and specialty care offices are open. They are also conveniently located throughout Chicago’s western and southwestern suburbs. The Family Medicine department at Loyola Medicine has one of the most comprehensive and empathetic teams in the nation.

To make an appointment, call 888-584-7888 or schedule an appointment online.

Mithila Janakiram, MD, is a Family Medicine physician at Loyola Medicine. Dr. Janakiram attended Northeast Ohio Medical University, where she obtained her medical degree. She then completed her residency at the University of Chicago, MacNeal Hospital.

Dr. Mithila Janakiram is a warm and caring family physician based in Bridgeview, IL. Her professional experience includes quality assurance and peer review of family practice curriculum. She has co-authored research and publications regarding fall prevention in the elderly.

Book an appointment today to see Dr. Janakiram or another Loyola physician by self-scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment using myLoyola.