October 24, 2008

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.