Halloween safety is one of those topics that makes kids, parents and grandparents, alike cringe.  What is meant to be a wholesome night of zombies, ghosts, superheroes and candy can be a source of danger. Between predators and strangers who put nasty stuff in candy, Halloween safety   is something that cannot be over promoted.

Halloween stats:

  • Twice as many child pedestrians are killed on Halloween night than on any other night of the year
  • 77% of parents/grandparents report feeling fearful around Halloween, and the reasons include:
    • A child being hit be a car or truck – 31%.
    • Poisoning from tampered or spoiled treats -24%.
    • Abductions -15%.
    • Falls -4%.
    • 12% of parents/grandparents report that their child age 5 or younger is allowed to trick-or-treat without adult guidance.
    • 40% of parents/grandparents allow one or more unsafe items in their child’s costume, including masks, long or loose clothing, and a sword, stick, or other sharp object.

 Halloween safety is an important topic for kids and adults, because in this day and age every member of the family needs to be careful!   In fact, many parents will not take their kids out anymore. Many do Halloween indoors at the mall instead.  If you are one of the families that still enjoys old fashioned Halloween, then this is for you.

 Don’t just throw open the door: When your doorbell rings on Halloween, don’t just throw it open expecting kids. these days, you can’t be sure who’s on the other side of the door. If you don’t have a peep hole, crack the door prior to opening to check for any shenanigans. Don’t leave your home unattended someone is liable to vandalize, even out of anger that nobody is home.

 Family fun: A fabulous Halloween event – for the young and young at heart “fright night”!  St. Armands Circle transforms into Halloween fun. Children trick-or-treat throught the circle. Zombie walk, live entertainment and more!

 

When witches go riding

And black cats are seen

The moon laughs and whispers

It’s near Halloween

 

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween

Sheila Birnbaum’s professional career has been devoted to enhancing patient care. As the Director of the Patient Advocacy Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), Hamilton, NJ, she instituted numerous programs, many which received statewide recognition, including several prestigious rewards.