Stay Safe and Healthy On Halloween

Halloween! It's a seasonal time that is fun for all ages. Candies, costumes, and parties are all part of the fun, but remember to stay safe and healthy through the season. Most of Sussex County is rural and many communities lack safe walking routes for trick or treating. Below are tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help you and your family prepare for upcoming holiday.

 

 

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  1. Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
  2. Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
  3. Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks whenever possible.
  4. Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
  5. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
  6. If your older children are trick-or-treating alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
  7. Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
  8. Never walk too close to lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
  9. Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
  10. Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless they are from someone you know.

You can also make healthier choices during this year's festivities by following these few suggestions:

  1. Use trick or treating time as a part of your child's daily 60 minutes of physical activity.
  2. A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
  3. Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
  4. Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.
  5. Provide healthy snacks instead of candy for party guests.

For more information on making your Halloween safe and healthy, visit the CDC's website http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween;external link.