Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips from the Doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care

For children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year, and in the weeks leading up to the fun, your little princess, super hero, ghost, or pirate will undoubtedly be brimming with excitement. However, while trick-or-treating can be a very enjoyable activity for kids, every parent should be aware of the potential risks that go along with it. To help ensure that your child’s scary experiences are only those associated with the true spirit of the occasion, the doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care offer the following safety recommendations:

• Costumes – Help your child choose a flame-resistant costume that does not interfere with his or her ability to see, hear, or move.
• Shoes – Double-tie your child’s shoelaces to avoid the possibility of him or her tripping in the dark.
• Masks – If your child wears a mask, make sure the eyeholes are wide enough to allow full forward and peripheral vision.
• Makeup – Ensure that any face paints and makeup that will be applied to your child’s skin are non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
• Props – It’s best to avoid costumes that require weapons as accessories, but if it’s absolutely necessary, make sure the prop is short, soft, and flexible so it won’t cause injury to your child or others.
• Darkness – Have your child carry a flashlight to light the way, wear reflective tape or brightly colored clothing, and avoid poorly lit areas.
• Traffic – Instruct your child to walk (never run!) on the sidewalk, when possible, or to remain on the far edge of the road facing oncoming traffic. Exercise extra caution in driveways.
• Names – Avoid name tags and other identifying information that could allow a stranger to call your child by name and feign familiarity (but do have your child discreetly carry emergency contact information that can be used in the event of your accidental separation).
• Strangers – Trick-or-treat only at well-lit homes in familiar neighborhoods, and caution your child to avoid strangers and refrain from entering the residences of people he or she doesn’t know.
• Treats – Examine all the goodies before allowing your child to eat them. Discard any food that is unwrapped or not in an original, unbroken package, such as fresh fruit, homemade treats, and loose candy.

With your guidance and supervision, your child can enjoy a Halloween that is positively spook-tacular, and you can help ensure that the season’s festivities are both fun and safe.

For additional safety tips, please check out our online series of health articles, or contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located on South Howard Avenue in Tampa, FL, and we welcome patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Brandon, and throughout the Greater Tampa Bay area.