October 27, 2006

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and Safe Kids Michigan, today reminded parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of children participating in trick-or-treating this Halloween.

"It is extremely important to take extra safety precautions on Halloween," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year, so all the usual rules of pedestrian safety must still apply on Halloween. Walk, do not run. Cross the street only at a crosswalk or corner, after looking both ways, and never dart out into the street."

To ensure drivers see them, costumes and candy bags should be decorated with retro-reflective tape and, if possible, made of light colors. Kids can carry glow sticks or flashlights to be more visible. An adult should accompany children under the age of 12.

"Naturally, kids will be excited, and they'll need active supervision," said Jeff Spitzley, Safe Kids Michigan Coordinator. "Older kids who have demonstrated the maturity and good judgment to go trick-or-treating with friends without adult supervision should stick to a predetermined route with good lighting."

There are also things drivers can do to help prevent accidents. Drivers are encouraged to do their part in preventing accidents by being especially careful in residential neighborhoods and by slowing down and looking for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.

Other Halloween hazards and precautions include:

Falls

· Costumes should be short enough to avoid tripping, and shoes and headgear should fit properly.

· Instead of masks, choose face paint and makeup because they do not restrict vision.

· Toy weapons and other props should be flexible so they do not present an injury hazard if the child falls.

· Children should not cut across yards, where stones, lawn ornaments, and other hazards may be hard to see in the dark.

· Keep doorsteps and porches clear and well lit.

Burns

· Make sure store-bought costumes and accessories are labeled "flame resistant".

· Use flame resistant material when making costumes.

· Avoid baggy, flimsy or billowing costumes.

· Keep lit jack-o'-lanterns away from doorsteps and walkways, and consider using glow sticks instead of candles.

Choking

· Parents should inspect candy and treats before allowing kids to eat them to make sure they are sealed and have no signs of tampering.

· Children under age six should not be given hard candy or other small, round items.

Lead

· Toy jewelry may contain lead and pose a serious health risk should a child or teenager put the jewelry into their mouths.

· Lead is commonly used in costume and children's jewelry made in China and sold in vending machines, dollar stores, and stores that sell primarily to new immigrant communities.

· Lead can affect the brain development of young children and in high enough levels, can even cause death. Children who have possibly been exposed to lead should be seen by a pediatrician to receive testing.

For more information about pedestrian safety, falls, burns, or airway safety, please visit www.safekids.org. The Michigan Department of Community Health is the lead agency for Safe Kids Michigan. For more information, please visit www.michigansafekids.org.