CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Trick or Treating Tips

Trick or Treating Tips

By Dr. Barbara Huggins

The costumes are bought and the 'trick or treating' route has been set.  But the most important safety tips might be at the back of your mind.

Opening the door on Halloween night can be scary, but even scarier are hidden dangers lurking in the dark.

According to the C.D.C., the number of child pedestrian deaths is four times higher on Halloween evening than on any other night of the year.

"The fact that the kids are out after dark in an unfamiliar territory, they may actually suffer falls," said pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Mayfield.

Especially when a child is wearing an ill-fitting mask or a costume that's too long.

But falls are only part of the problem.

Dr. Mayfield added, "The things we really worry about are the traffic related injuries that can cause not only broken bones.  But can also cause closed head injuries."

And that's a tragedy that can be prevented with some simple precautions.

• Parents should escort all kids under the age of 12
• Costumes should be light-colored or reflective and should not be any longer than the ankle of the child
• Kids should carry a flashlight or glow stick to light their path and make them visible to others
• And everyone should walk on sidewalks or on the edge of the street facing traffic

"I will say that as much as we tell our children to be safe, the onus is really on us as parents," said Dr. Mayfield

And that means not only escorting your children as they trick or treat, but it means watching for spooky characters in the street when you're driving.

And don't forget to make your home safe for little visitors.

Keep your porch light on, sweep all wet leaves from sidewalks and steps, and remove anything in the yard that might cause someone to trip - like hoses or garden equipment.