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Skip the masks, sort the candy and 7 other tricks for a safe Halloween

Use these tips to avoid spooky holiday hazards on the trick-or-treat trail.

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Halloween is a magical day for many children and a few precautions will help keep it that way. According to the US Census Bureau, more than 41 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 trick-or-treat each year. With so many youngsters scampering from door-to-door, it’s no surprise hospitals see an influx of visits from costume-clad kids.

Luckily, many of theseShow More

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Don't get burned

Burns are among the most common Halloween-related hospital visits, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). There are nearly twice as many fires caused by open flames during Halloween than on any other day, and they’re primarily caused by flickering candles.

Dr. Holtzman recommendsShow More

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Pick the right costume

Scraped knees and stubbed toes are a normal part of childhood, but tripping on a costume that is too big or drags along the ground can cause more serious injuries. Sprains, fractures, lacerations and abrasions are also common Halloween injuries, all of which can be caused by trips and falls.Show More

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Skip the swords

Swords and pitchforks may seem like awesome accessories—until someone gets hurt. The cost of a playful sword fight with a handheld prop that's too long or too sharp could easily result in an injury. Accessories also limit a child’s ability to catch themselves should they stumble.

Look for propsShow More

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Embrace the power of the paint

Kids love to hide their identities on Halloween, but the downside is masks limit a child’s vision, especially when crossing the street. 

If a mask is a must, instruct your child to remove his mask when at an intersection. “You want to make sure they have good visibility so they don’t missShow More

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Get the glow

In addition to making sure your child can see, take extra steps to be sure your child is visible to drivers and other pedestrians. “They need to see and be seen,” says Holtzman.

Kids tend to have very strong opinions about their Halloween costumes, but you can encourage brightly colored andShow More

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Know your area

Stay in well-lit areas without too much road traffic, especially when taking younger children around your neighborhood. Choose areas that are populated with other trick-or-treaters. Be cautious around busy roads and avoid crowded intersections—the "haunted" house that requires a race across aShow More

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Use the buddy system

Children younger than 10 years old should be with a parent or an older, responsible sibling or friend on the trick-or-treat trail. Older kids who may be out without parental supervision should visit houses with porch lights and never enter anyone’s home. You should also insist that they trick-or-Show More

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Swap treats for toys

It’s tough to find healthy candy options on Halloween, but other treats can be just as fun. The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes inclusion for kids with nut allergies by handing out non-edible treats like stickers and bubbles. “Kids love bubbles, stickers and glow sticks,” says Holtzman. “Just beShow More

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Sort The Stash

Parents have long been warned against hazards lurking in their child’s loot and are encouraged to check kids’ candy as soon as they arrive home. “If anything looks remotely suspicious or like it may have been tampered with, throw it away immediately,” says Holtzman. To be on the safe side, throwShow More

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