Essential Halloween Safety Tips For Families In Upstate New York

Halloween is almost here. While it's a fun time for kids and adults, there are some things to keep in mind for a safe experience.

The Upstate New York Poison Center has some reminders for families as they prepare for a night of candy, costumes, and hopefully nice weather.

The Poison Center is reminding parents to be vigilant of potential poison risks, noting that last year (2024), they handled 141 calls on Halloween from exposures to medications to glow sticks, toys, and small objects. Most incidents involved kids between the ages of 0 to 5 years old.

Parents are often surprised that it’s medicine that tops our Halloween call list. Halloween party guests often include children, and the business of costumes, treats, and candy might distract from safe medicine storage. Glow sticks and flashing jewelry may seem harmless, but when children bite into them or swallow small parts, they can cause poisoning symptoms. - Willie Eggleston, PharmD, Clinical Toxicologist, Upstate New York Poison Center

The Upstate Poison Center has a few tips to keep in mind for Halloween:

Check medications first. Lock up all medicines, like prescription, over-the-counter, and vitamins, before guests arrive or before heading out. Young children can mistake pills for candy.
Glow safely. Glow sticks and glow jewelry are popular and generally safe when used properly. However, if the liquid leaks, it can irritate the mouth and skin. Keep them out of reach, and supervise children closely.
Watch for button batteries. Many flashing or light-up Halloween accessories contain small disc batteries. These can cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed. Make sure battery compartments are secure. Call 911 immediately if one is swallowed.
Avoid look-alikes. Cannabis edibles and alcoholic drinks can look like candy or snacks. Always store them out of sight and out of reach of children.

If you suspect a possible poisoning, contact the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.