The Doc is In: On Halloween Safety

By Dr. Michael Finch, SCMA Board Member and Pediatrician

Dr. Finch wrote us to share his Halloween safety tips as a parent emeritus of trick or treaters... and as a pediatrician.

What wonderful time of the year to be a child. Halloween has arrived, and soon parents will be escorting their children around the neighborhoods in search of the best treats. Alas, in my home, my youngest child has outgrown the desire to trick or treat a couple of years ago, so I guess my wife and I will just be answering the door for a while until it is grandchild time of life for us a bit down the road. As a pediatrician, I sense the excitement as I see the adorable kids come in the office in costume. I feel it is my duty as a parent emeritus of trick or treaters, as well as a pediatrician, to impart and remind folks about Halloween safety. Please do heed the following suggestions:

1) Try to have reflective stripes, clothes, or at least a hat on your child.

2) Have them carry a flashlight

3) Only trick or treat in areas that you know and are comfortable with.

4) Parents should still try to look through the child's bag at the end of the night.

5) The child shouldn't enter someone's home (i.e. like for a haunted house inside) unless a parent is with them

6) Parents should avoid driving through crowded, often dark neighborhood streets while the kids are out and about. Try just to walk along the curb, and they can run down to the doors, etc., or go down with them if younger

7) Consider a meeting spot or particular house in case you get separated.

8) Despite all the excitement, be sure children look carefully and not be allowed to dash into a dark street in their haste to get to the next house.

9) Residents should try to be tolerant of groups of YOUNGER children with their parents who are not from the neighborhood in which they are trick or treating (as long as good manners prevail). While there was a time this frustrated me, I realized later that the parents likely feel unsafe in their own neighborhood and sought out a better place.

10) Lastly, expect and encourage good manners in the children, avoid littering, and respect the homeowners property and privacy if lights are out and they are done for the night.

I hope these suggestions, stemming from years of escorting my own toddlers, school age kids, and now just answering the door, will help all readers have a safe and pleasant Halloween.