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JB MDL focuses on Halloween safety

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt David J. Murphy
  • 87th ABW/PA
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. --  Witches, warlocks, ghouls and ghosts join forces with Power Rangers, princesses, wizards and superheroes every Oct. 31 with one mission in mind - to get candy. This is Halloween, and it can be a fun and exciting time for both children and parents.

Halloween season is upon us, as is evident by the increasing number of stores selling costumes and candy. No matter how tempting it might be to go on autopilot, parents must still be aware of the dangers of the holiday.

Regardless of age, or maturity level, parents need to ensure some level of supervision over their children. While a child might act responsible, and mature, by him or herself, within a group of peers, maturity can quickly slip away.

"Parents need to be aware of not only his or her childrens' maturity level but that of their childrens' friends as well," said Wendy E. Medley, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Safety Office safety specialist. "As children age, they still need supervision by a parent or parental figure, at least up to age 11. Children are going to be walking around the streets at night and there should be a support system in place if something happens."

Safety must not be ignored. There are certain considerations to take when picking out a costume for a child. A costume should be breathable; made from fire-retardant material; be the correct size; not obstruct vision; and be visible in the dark, according to www.mychildsafetynet.com.

"A witches costume is completely black so a child should have to carry some kind of light source on them to help make them more visible," said Medley.

Parents should ensure the received candy is wrapped and discard any which has been opened. Prepackaged candy is the safest.

Parents also need to keep in mind their children's dietary restrictions and ensure the candy won't agitate allergies, according to the Children's Hospital of Michigan website.
"Adults should also limit the amount of candy a child eats and should distribute Halloween candy throughout the year," said Medley.

Halloween should be an exciting time for children and adults, keeping up with important safety rules will help ensure it is. Take an active role in what children are doing, wearing and eating this Halloween.