Ensuring a Safe Trick-or-Treat Trek for Kids

When they arrive at Valley Presbyterian Hospital for X-rays Thursday night they will be admitted under such names as Mr. Goodbar, Rocky Road and Baby Ruth.

Sweet patients by almost any measure, but what makes their exams unique--besides the fact that they are candy bars--is that the X-rays will be provided free to trick-or-treaters on Halloween night--a service that is just one of many precautions parents can take to ensure their children enjoy a safe Halloween.

Carrying a flashlight, wearing light-colored clothing motorists can more easily see and throwing out any treats that look suspect or are not wrapped are a few more safety tips that parents and children should keep in mind, said Dr. Michael Vitullo, medical director of Valley Presbyterian’s emergency room.

Wearing warm clothing under costumes is also a smart tip to follow.

“Most of the problems we see in the emergency room on Halloween are children ill from eating too much candy or pedestrian-versus-auto accidents,” Vitullo said. “It’s best to accompany your children and only trick-or-treat at places you know.”

Trying to get an early start while it’s still daylight is another precaution that kids can take, as is using reflective tape--which reflects headlight beams--on their costumes for visibility, said Jeff Spring, a spokesman for the Auto Club of Southern California.

Using makeup instead of a mask to disguise a face also improves a child’s breathing and visibility. But if a child wears a mask he or she should always remove it before crossing a street, so that vision isn’t impaired. In general, advises Spring, choose a costume that makes it easy for a child to walk, see and be seen.

Store-bought costumes should be labeled flame-retardant.

Experts also advise that parents know which streets their children are planning to travel, assure themselves that the streets are well lighted and set a time when the children should return home.

Young ghosts and goblins should also be advised to cross only at corners and never cross between parked cars or mid-block, Spring said.

If there are no sidewalks, children should be advised always to walk facing traffic, thus improving their chances of being seen by motorists.

The old adage “there’s safety in numbers” applies particularly well to trick-or-treating, most experts agree.

“Do not trick-or-treat alone,” said Alex Arriola, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department. “Go with parents, an adult or friends.

Children should also be warned never to enter a house without parental permission, Arriola said. They should also know how to call 911 in emergencies.

At home, make sure that jack-o’-lanterns are kept away from drapes and other flammable materials, Arriola said. Keeping your porch light on also improves visibility for trick-or-treaters, who should be warned to approach only homes that have a porch light on.

Last but not least, youngsters should wait until they get home to sort their treats, and they should not eat any of them until the candy has been checked by parents, he warned.

Those interested in having their goodies X-rayed for possibly dangerous objects should take their candy directly to the Radiology Department, located on the first floor of Valley Presbyterian Hospital at 15107 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. The screenings will be provided Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.