Pediatricians Alert Parents to Halloween Hazards

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As children live their fantasies this Halloween, parents should make safety a reality with these tips from the Physicians at Temple Pediatric Care, the pediatric primary care practice for Temple University Health System.

What to Wear

• Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Make sure eye holes are large enough to allow full vision. A safe alternative is to use make-up or face paint that is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
  
  
• Costumes should be flame resistant and fit properly. Avoid oversized shoes and high heels. Skirts and pants should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
  
  
• Children who will be trick-or-treating after dusk should carry flashlights. Trim costumes and candy bags with reflective tape, which glows in the beam of automobile headlights.

Carve with Care

• Children under the age of five should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, then parents should do the cutting. Under parental supervision. older children can carve with pumpkin cutters equipped with safety bars.
  
  
• Place lighted pumpkins on a sturdy table that is away from curtains and other flammable objects.
  
  
• Never leave a candlelit pumpkin unattended.

Screen those Sweets

• Don't allow children to snack while trick-or-treating. Check all treats for signs of tampering, such as small pinholes in wrappers and torn or loose packages. If you're not sure throw it away.
  
  
• Limit the amount of sweets a child eats in one day.
  
  
• Parents of young children under two years of age should get rid of choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys.
  
  

Safe Houses

• Only approach houses lit with outside lighting as a sign of welcome.
  
  
• Never enter houses or apartments.
  
  
• Children should walk, not run, from house to house.
  
  
• All children should trick-or-treat with an adult.
  
  

Your Home Safe Home

• Keep your property safe for visiting trick-or-treaters by removing obstacles such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
  
  
• Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
  
  
• Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps.
  
  

Temple Pediatric Care is part of the Temple University Health System. Along with Northeastern Hospital, Jeanes Hospital, Temple Physicians Inc., Elmyra Jeffries Nursing Home, Philadelphia Geriatrics Center and Temple University Children's Hospital (scheduled to open December of 1997), Temple Pediatric Care furthers the health system's goal of providing health care to Philadelphia residents from all stages of life. For more information, call 215-707-5223.

CONTACT: Tracey A. Mills of Temple University Health System, 215-707-7790, or e-mail, tmills@nimbus.ocis.temple.com

Press release date: Oct. 18, 1996