Halloween fun should not end with a trip to the emergency department, which is why the members of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) urge parents to remember safety first when preparing their children to go "trick-or-treating." 

"Every year you see kids injured while trick-or-treating, and it's always frustrating because the injuries are easily prevented," said Dr. Brian Keaton.  "Typically the most common incidents are eye injuries from sharp objects, burns from flammable costumes and children hit by cars as they walk and run around the neighborhood.  Parents and caregivers have to make certain that a few important safety measures are followed as their children collect their treats." 

ACEP strongly suggests adults follow these guidelines for a safe and fun Halloween:

• Make sure you see all the candy BEFORE your child consumes it. Avoid candy not wrapped in its original wrapper, as well as all fruit.
• Make sure your child stays on the sidewalks as much as possible (off streets) and obeys all traffic signals.
• Discuss the importance of staying together in a group. Require at least one adult to serve as chaperone during candy gathering, and forbid children from accepting rides from strangers or visiting unfamiliar homes.
• Avoid costumes that could cause children to trip, such as baggy pants, long hems, high heels, and over-sized shoes.
• Avoid costume contact lenses.
• Avoid masks. If your child must wear one, make sure it is well ventilated and does not impair his or her vision.
• Make sure costume fabric, wigs, and beards are made of flame-resistant materials, such as nylon or polyester.
• Make sure costumes are visible at night; avoid dark colors. Add reflective tape to the costume so your child is more visible to motor vehicles.
• Check accessories such as swords, knives, wands and other pointed objects are made from flexible materials and have dulled edges.

"The American College of Emergency Physicians also recommends children "trick-or-treat" at organized Halloween festivities, such as those organized by churches, shopping malls or schools," said Dr. Keaton.  "This way kids are not walking around in the dark and in unfamiliar parts of their neighborhoods.  It also allows for constant adult supervision."