Ocala, Fla. — To help our community have a spooktacular Halloween, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County offers a few tips to keep children safe as they “trick or treat.”

Perhaps the most important thing to understand is that Halloween can be harmful, if not fatal, for those celebrating the holiday.

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of child pedestrian fatalities found that between 1975 and 1996, four children died each year on Halloween on average, compared to 1.1 deaths for every other day of the year. Safe Kids Worldwide reports that in more recent years twice as many children are killed while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year.

Thus, DOH-Marion recommends that motorists navigating communities with children going door to door for goodies should:

• Drive slowly through residential neighborhoods. Remember many children will be out in darkness when visibility is limited.
• Be alert to children who cross the street in the middle of the block. Excited children may not pay attention to passing traffic.
• Reduce distractions and concentrate on the road. Avoid using your phone or eating while driving through areas where trick-or-treaters are anticipated.
• Don’t drink and drive.      

Parents and children also bear some responsibility for the safety of youth. With that in mind, DOH-Marion recommends:

• Parents or other adults in a group keep eyes on children at all times as they go from place to place.
• Parents and children wear brightly colored costumes or clothes, or highlight clothing with reflective tape. Also carry flashlights or glow-sticks. Remember the motto: Be seen on Halloween!
• Children not wear any mask that blocks or reduces their vision.
• Parents and children put away cellphones and other devices while walking and pay attention to traffic.
• Parents and children use the sidewalk and stay on it. Also, cross streets at crosswalks, not in the middle of the block.
• Parents and children watch for cars at all times. Remember to look left, then right, then left again when crossing the street. Also pay attention when passing driveways, as cars may be backing out.

DOH-Marion also reminds parents that there are steps to take after the candy is collected:

Always inspect all candy. Make sure it is properly wrapped. Check for signs of tampering or an unusual appearance or discoloration. Look for tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers. 

• Remember the advice: If you doubt, toss it out!
• Although cases of dangerous substances being added to candy or other goodies are rare, they do happen. Parents and caregivers should be especially vigilant now as we know dangerous drugs, such as fentanyl, are more prevalent than ever. If you are suspicious, throw it out.
• Make sure children know how to call 911 in case of an emergency.

DOH-Marion desires that all parents and youth enjoy this festive holiday in the spirit that it is intended. But do so safely.