ATLANTA — As families across metro Atlanta prepare for Halloween on Saturday, an Emory pediatric emergency room physician is reminding parents to take precautions to keep children safe while trick-or-treating.
Dr. Maneesha Agarwal says visibility is especially important as children head outdoors after dark. She recommends choosing bright costumes or adding reflective materials and carrying flashlights or glow sticks.
“You really need to make sure that your child is easily visible to those people who are driving,” Agarwal said.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down, remain alert and avoid using their phones while traveling through neighborhoods where children may be trick-or-treating.
Agarwal says children should also avoid distractions while walking.
“Distracted walking is dangerous just like distracted driving. If they have a phone, put the phone down, keep your head and eyes up so you can walk and be safe,” Agarwal said.
Parents should also make sure costumes do not create tripping hazards and that masks or other face coverings allow children to see clearly.
Beyond street safety, Agarwal recommends that parents inspect their children’s Halloween candy before allowing them to eat it.
“It can be so exciting getting all of that candy, but we really recommend that families try to wait until they get home to actually consume any of the goodies,” Agarwal said.
Parents should look for candy with opened or damaged wrappers, unusual discoloration and ingredients that could cause allergic reactions. They should also check for gummies or other products containing THC or potentially dangerous ingredients.
Agarwal warns that some Halloween treats can also present choking hazards for younger children.
“Things like marshmallows, candies with nuts, hard round candies, all pose choking hazards. So if you have a young child and they’ve gotten one of these items, you may need to confiscate it or eat it yourself,” Agarwal said.
Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, with daylight saving time ending overnight Saturday into Sunday.
Happy Halloween!
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Graham Carroll contributed to this story.
