Halloween is just around the corner, and while the holiday can be a hauntingly good time, it can also have some risks...
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2022 CPSC study, there are more than 3,000 Halloween-related accidents every year.
Andrea Canning spoke with Today Show Senior Investigative Correspondent, Vicky Nguyen, on today’s episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly to get some tricks and treats to help keep you and your loved ones safe this year.
You can listen to the full episode now, for free.
Plus, read a transcript of their exchange below:
Andrea Canning: Hey, Vicky.
Vicky Nguyen: Hey, Andrea.
Canning: Let’s start with Halloween decorations, which starts well before the holiday. More than half of Halloween-related injuries are from pumpkin carving.
Nguyen: It’s wild. But you think about it: Pumpkins, they’re round, they’re slippery, they’re slimy when you get into them. So make sure that when it comes to pumpkin carving, you leave the tough part to the adults. Also, adults: Use those tools that are for pumpkin carving, ‘cause they’re like little saws. They’re blunt on the, you know, on the tip, so it’s a lot safer to use those.
Canning: And you say instead of using the open flame candles, use something a little safer.
Nguyen: Yeah. These days you can buy little flameless candles. They’re battery operated. They look awesome inside the jack-o’-lantern. And you don’t have to worry about a fire hazard.
Canning: OK. So what about costumes?
Nguyen: So this is so important. Visibility is vital. Halloween is actually the most dangerous night -- and has the highest rate of child pedestrian accidents than any other night of the year -- and it’s because kids are walking around. People can’t see them. So encourage your child to wear a bright costume. If they insist, it’s got to be Batman or a ninja or, you know, a vampire and it’s dark, then outfit them with glow sticks. Have them hang one around their neck. Give them a flashlight. Also, for the little ones, reflective tape. That is great. It shows up in headlights. It keeps them safe and visible. If your child’s going to wear a mask, you can test it out at home, see what their visibility is before they go out there. But, ideally, the CPSC recommends costumes without masks because you want your kids to have all of their senses on that night, when it is dark outside.
Canning: If you have older kids who want to go trick or treating alone, um, any -- any tips for them? ‘Cause we know older kids think they’re invincible.
Nguyen: They really do. And I think the important thing is you want them to be prepared, not scared. I like to say that, because it’s important to talk through the different scenarios they may encounter. But, ultimately, they’re going to have to make smart decisions because you’re not there with them. So, number one: older kids with the smartphones -- no distractions. If you’re going out trick or treating with your friends, keep that smartphone in a pocket or in a bag. You shouldn’t be on it when you’re crossing the street. You need all your wits about you to see cars, to see other people, to keep a lookout for anybody who might be out there that, you know, gives you the heebie-jeebies, so you can cross the street.
Canning: OK. And one of the things that goes back to when I was a kid was, you know, the -- that the Halloween candy could be tampered with, there, or could be razor blades in an apple. We know that obviously doesn’t happen very often, if at all, but, you know, you still get a little nervous, um, as a parent.
Nguyen: Yeah. That is largely a myth, Andrea, that candy is being tampered with, but you are going to want to talk to your kids about making sure that they only get candy from trusted neighbors. But the real concern is more about allergies, when it comes to candy. The Food Allergy Research and Education nonprofit says 1 in 13 kids has a food allergy. So if you want to give out non-food treats, you can join the Teal Pumpkin Project. And that is placing a teal pumpkin outside of your house. So you’re indicating that, “Hey, I’m giving out stickers,” or “I’m giving out bracelets,” or toys, instead of candy.
Canning: That’s great. I’ve never heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project. Vicky, I think you’ve just made Halloween a little safer for anyone who’s listening. So, um, thank you so much for coming back.
Nguyen: Happy Halloween!