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October 23, 2013
Contact: Mirabai Vogt, 503 494-8231; vogtmi@ohsu.edu
Fall, Halloween safety tips from OHSU Doernbecher and the Oregon Poison Center at OHSU
PORTLAND, Ore. – The arrival of fall brings more time spent inside and anticipation of the
upcoming holiday season. The incidence of poisonings and other accidents for our children and
loved ones can increase when there is a change in the season or the household routine.
The Oregon Poison Center at Oregon Health & Science University and the Tom Sargent
Children’s Safety Center at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital suggest following these
helpful safety tips:
Have a safe Halloween!
 Talk to your young child in advance about the difference between reality and makebelieve. Preschool-aged children and toddlers can be afraid of the scarier aspects of
Halloween.
 When choosing or making a costume, be sure that it is made of fire-resistant material
and bright colors. If you choose a dark color, add reflective tape so drivers can see your
trick-or-treater. Be sure that the costume is not a tripping hazard. Avoid sharp objects or
accessories and opt for make-up or face paint instead of a mask, if possible. Face paint
labels should say “made with U.S.-approved colored additives,” “laboratory tested,”
“non-toxic,” or “meets federal standards for cosmetics.”
 Be sure that all children have adult supervision while trick-or-treating, and carry a
flashlight. If an older child is going with a group, be sure to review safety rules with
him/her, such as street safety. Know the route they plan to take, set a curfew and
provide a cell phone if necessary. Verify that children know their last name and phone
number in case they get separated from their chaperone; consider attaching this
information to the child’s costume.
 Use battery-powered candles rather than candles with a real flame. If you do use a real
candle in a jack-o-lantern, place the pumpkin a safe distance away from where trick-ortreaters will be walking or standing. Be sure your home is well lit for trick-or-treaters,
and clear steps and lawns of tripping hazards.
 Instruct children not to eat any treats until they get home and have been checked by an
adult. Dispose of any candy that has loose or open wrappers. Wash all fruit and cut into
pieces to inspect it before eating.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in cold weather
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Be aware of increased exposure to carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless
gas that can be fatal if inhaled in large quantities. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
increases when the weather turns cold, heating devises are used and closed windows
decrease fresh air circulation.
Know what can cause increased exposure, such as a leaking car muffler, improperly
functioning home heating furnaces, woodstoves used in poorly ventilated rooms or
burning charcoal indoors.
Ensure proper ventilation in your home or vehicle, and get fresh air immediately if
symptoms such as headaches, nausea, sleepiness or vomiting occur.
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home; use detectors that are
approved by Underwriters Laboratories, these products will have an ‘UL-approved’
statement on the packaging.
Check heating appliances annually and before you first use them in cold weather.
Keep antifreeze and windshield washing fluid away from children and pets
 Prevent exposure to antifreeze products and windshield-washing fluid, which contain
toxic chemicals that can cause severe illness or blindness if ingested; large amounts can
be fatal.
 Store these and other car care products in locked cabinets and never put them in old
food containers for storage.
 Rinse empty containers thoroughly and recap before discarding.
Plan for fun and safe holiday celebrations
 Take a few minutes to poison-proof your home in anticipation of visiting holiday guests
and the altered household routine that inevitably accompanies the holiday season.
 Handle decorations and lights with care.
 Keep poisonous plants, décor and gifts away from children and pets; lock medicines
away and out of reach.
 Be sure that any houseguests store medication safely away from children.
 If you are traveling for the holidays, have your child’s care seat checked. Call the Tom
Sargent Children’s Safety Center at OHSU for more information: 503 494-3735.
 Post the Oregon Poison Center’s number (1 800-222-1222) by home phones and save to
cell phones.
About the OHSU Doernbecher Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center
The OHSU Doernbecher Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center is dedicated to reducing
unintentional injuries in children through education and distribution of safety products. For
more information, please call 503 418-5666 or visit www.ohsu.edu/childsafety for low cost
safety products, educational materials or to find a car seat check-up event in your area.
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About the Oregon Poison Center
The Oregon Poison Center (OPC) at Oregon Health & Science University provides 24-hour
emergency treatment information for people experiencing a poisoning or toxic exposure. Call
the poison center hot line number (1 800-222-1222) for all poison emergencies and questions.
Please call, no question is too small.