Tomorrow is the big day! For me, Halloween is my most favorite Holiday! I love the fall leaves, the adorable kids in fun costumes and the excitement in the air. I also dread this day. Why?
Every Halloween a friend or someone in our food allergy community experiences an allergic reaction. Some produce only hives and others are quite scary. The value of carrying epinephrine auto-injectors becomes crystal clear, yet with excitement at an all-time high, epinephrine is the one item that sometimes gets forgotten behind.
I simply want to remind my friends and the friends I haven’t met yet, to pause and take a look at these three easy steps to take before you head out of the door. Or pause and follow your own plan for safety. I’m really trying to drive home the pause part – accidents happen when we are all distracted with excitement.
3 Stay Safe Halloween Trick or Treating Tips
- Pack two and strap in. Think of your child’s epinephrine auto-injector like a seat belt. You would never pull away from the curb without your precious cargo buckled in. Pack two injectors on yourself or under your child’s custom – get creative with pockets, pouches or simply carry a backpack.
- See the light. Carry a very strong flashlight and before you head out, pick up a few fresh batteries. It’s dark and easy to say yes to unsafe treats! The flashlight will also help if you need to make a call on your cell phone while watching your little ones too! Don’t repeat my favorite Halloween Trick: the oops, those batteries are dead and I’m five blocks from home scenario.
- Munch at home. Hold off eating any treats, even if the brand is a family favorite. Some manufacturers use other facilities to make their fun/small-sized treats, which may use shared lines with allergens. Take time to do your homework the day after Halloween. Also, if allergen containing treats are mixed in with safe goodies, a quick wipe down of the safe stuff might be in order. We’ve experienced little bars of dairy chocolate broken open and melted on safe items.
The Switch Witch visits some families while others trade toys for candy. Food allergy families are some of the most creative out there! My son would often collect candy for grandpa, who would then buy him a special treat or toy. Whichever you choose, please enjoy, carry epinephrine, post lots of photos and tag me. My kids are older now, so I only get to see cute costumes when the few kids visit my house (we live on a road with no street lights).
Happy Safe Halloween!
Disclaimer: I’m a pathetic lover all of things Halloween. Please check in with your doctor about the best way to manage your health and, if appropriate, the best way to manage Halloween. Be safe and have fun!
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