Tomorrow is Halloween, and it is a day for dressing up, eating candy, and having fun with friends and family. Unfortunately, there can be several risks when going trick-or-treating. Here are some tips to keep you and your children safe this Halloween: 

• Wear costumes that say “flame-resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon. 

• Wear bright, reflective costumes, or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible. 

• Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision. 

• Always accompany young children when trick-or-treating. 

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again when crossing. 

• Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. 

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left. 

• Put electronic devices down and keep your head up while you walk. 

• Caution kids to never enter a home or a car for a treat. 

• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats before eating them. 

• Don’t eat candy until it is inspected at home. 

• If a child has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen is not present. Tell children not to accept or eat anything that isn’t wrapped correctly. 

• Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from their Halloween bags. 

Follow these important tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe this Halloween. If you experience any problems, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.