UAB Media Relations: Halloween Safety Tips

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM THE UAB YOUTH SAFETY LAB

Psychologist David Schwebel, Ph.D., director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Youth Safety Lab, offers the following tips for a safe and healthy Halloween:

Jack-o’-Lanterns

·        In general, only adults should be allowed to cut jack-o’-lanterns and light candles. Very young children can scoop out the seeds and draw designs on the pumpkins with a pen.

Trick-or-Treating

·        Wear light clothing, reflective strips and carry a flashlight.

·        Children should be supervised by an adult until the age of 10.

Halloween Costumes

·        Wear costumes that don’t restrict vision.

·        Make sure that costumes and shoes permit safe, comfortable walking.

·        Avoid loose hanging clothing that could catch fire near candles.

Motorists

·        Watch for children.

·        Drive more slowly than usual.

·        Avoid distractions while driving.

Safe Candy

• Inspect all candy before it is eaten and discard treats that aren’t sealed tightly.
• Fruit should be thrown away, or else peeled, washed carefully and cut into small pieces.
• Watch out for choking hazards with young children.

 

Researchers at the UAB Youth Safety Lab conduct laboratory-based studies on the factors that lead to child and adolescent injuries.