CHRISTUS Health: Tips for Staying Safe This Spooky Season

October 24, 2023 – Across the state, thousands of children will don their favorite costumes, hit the streets, and enjoy the traditions of trick-or-treating and Halloween celebrations.

While the holiday is full of fun and games, it is important to remember to stay safe and exercise caution while out and about.

“Halloween is such a great time to make memories for children and adults,” said Shelby Ivey, trauma program manager and emergency management coordinator at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs & Winnsboro. “We strongly encourage everyone to play it safe, so that the memories made are great ones.”

Ivey says one of the leading injuries they see is ground level falls, with 67% of trauma patients seen during Halloween having injuries, like head injuries and broken bones, resulting from falls.

She also emphasizes that you should take notes on where you are trick-or-treating, so that you can accurately dispatch street names, mailbox numbers, etc., in case of emergency.

CHRISTUS Health has compiled a list of things to keep in mind during the Halloween festivities:

• Never go trick-or-treating alone. Always have an adult accompany.
• Never go inside a house – accept treats only from the door.
• Do not eat any candy until you get home, and make sure an adult checks the candy before eating.
• Stay on sidewalks and walkways, avoid walking in the street when possible.
• WALK! Don’t run in your costume. Running leads to falls.
• Always carry a cell phone in case of an emergency
• At least one person in the group should be wearing highly visible or reflective clothing, especially as day turns to night.
• Always use a flashlight while trick-or-treating at night.
• Trust your gut. If something does not feel right, leave the situation.