Dear Editor:
With Halloween right around the corner, most young children have candy on their minds. For Halloween safety and to reduce the risk for childhood poisoning injuries:
Children should be accompanied by an adult when going “trick or treating.”
Go only to homes of people known to you.
Homemade treats are nice, but unless the maker is well known, should never be eaten.
Use non-toxic makeup to paint faces and body parts.
Teach children not to consume food items, drinks or treats that may be offered, until an adult has thoroughly checked them.
Throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious treats.
Make sure that items that can cause choking, such as hard candy, are given to children of an appropriate age to avoid choking.
Do not let children give treats to pets, chocolate may be poisonous to many animals.
Dispose of tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers properly to avoid children and pets choking on them if swallowed.
Keep all medicines out of children’s reach.
Teach your child that medicine is not candy.
The New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) reminds parents, grandparents and other child care providers that poisonings often occur when children mistake pills for candy. Post the Poison Control Center Hotline number by your telephone: 1-800-POISON-1 or 1-800-764-7661.
Call the Poison Control Center Hotline at any time, day or night. Trained medical professionals will provide you with the most up to date emergency treatment advice and will answer any drug or poison information question you may have.
NJ Poison Information and Education System