Trick-or-treat safety tips

Four-year-old Natalie Pierson of Marietta can’t wait to slip into her Ariel mermaid costume Friday, complete with a thick red wig.

But Natalie, who is highly allergic to peanuts and eggs, will also face danger lurking in every basket of goodies.

So Michelle and Michael Pierson came up with a plan. Last year, they made up a little ditty for their little one to sing —- “Trick or treat. No peanuts. No tree nuts. No eggs. Please.”

And it worked. Neighbors dropped peanut-free chocolate bars, raisins, pretzels or other treats without nuts or eggs. Mom and dad also read the ingredients list of every piece of candy. When reading the labels last year, Michelle Pierson learned candy corn is made with egg.

Experts say planning ahead and remaining vigilant are critical for ensuring a happy but also safe Halloween, a sweet ritual fraught with potential for problems including tummy aches and tripping and falling in baggy costumes and clumsy masks.

In fact, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, a global organization committed to prevent accidental childhood injury.

Dr. Martin Belson, an emergency room doctor at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, expects to treat several little witches and goblins injured from falls.

Belson also warns parents to avoid the use of props such as sharp swords that can cut someone or poke someone’s eye.

“The No. 1 tip is adult supervision,” said Katie French of Safe Kids Georgia.

“Kids get so excited and they are not paying attention and not used to being out at night with their friends. And they may dart out across the street.”

Belson also suggests parents should advise teenage children to use extra caution when driving because so many little ones will be scurrying about. And with Halloween falling on a Friday, Belson urges parents to be extra diligent about their teenager’s whereabouts.

Here are some safety tips from the Atlanta-based Kids Health First Pediatric Alliance and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta:

> Accompany children younger than 13, and carry a flashlight and cellphone.

> If you’re trick-or-treating with children younger than age 7, put a sticker on them with their names, addresses and phone numbers in case they get separated and lost. For children under age 3, place the sticker on their backs so they cannot pull it off and accidentally leave information on the street.

> Be certain that children can be seen. Reflectors, glow sticks, flashlights and bright clothing can increase their visibility.

> When choosing your children’s costumes, make sure they are flame resistant, as costumes can be extremely flammable.

> Be certain costumes are roomy enough so children can dress in layers underneath to stay warm.

> Make sure the costume is not too long to pose a tripping hazard.

> If your child is wearing a mask, make sure he can really see out of it. Many doctors recommend children use face paint instead.

> Caution children about drivers who might not see a young child crossing the street. When crossing the street with your children, cross at crosswalks or corners rather than mid-block. If you are driving children, make sure they exit on the curb side, not on the traffic side.

> Be cautious of everyone you don’t know. Approach only houses that are lit, and advise children and teenagers to never go inside the home of a stranger.

> Discuss safety with children in advance, including what route you plan to take and what they should do should they become lost.

> Caution children about eating anything until it has been inspected under bright lights for possible tampering. Remove any small, hard candies young children may choke on, and discard any homemade treats.

> Although you probably won’t accompany your teenagers, set a few rules in motion before they leave the house. Implement a curfew and ensure that they stay in groups and carry a flashlight and cellphone in case they encounter any problems.

> Consider the safety of children who will be visiting your home. Clear your yard of anything kids can trip on such as hoses, dog leashes and flowerpots. Use a battery-powered jack-o’-lantern instead of a real flame to prevent flowing costumes from catching fire. Keep pets inside away from front-door traffic so children won’t be frightened.

> Make sure your child has eaten dinner first so he doesn’t gorge on candy.

> If your child has allergies, inspect candy for risky ingredients.

> Make a pact with your child on how many pieces of candy he can have that evening and put the rest away.

> Remember the importance of brushing teeth before bedtime.