In Depth: Halloween Safety

SEGMENT A:  National Trick or Treat Day

Many Parents across the nation are pushing for a National Trick or Treat Day on the last Saturday of October - to be called "ALLoween." A couple of small American towns are making the change already, but organizers want governments (Legislatures, Governors, the President) to step in and declare a National Trick or Treat Day.

Hal Eisner talks with Alissa Walker, National Urbanism Writer for CURBED, and two parents, Juan Capdet and Amy Gurango for their thoughts about the project.
 
SEGMENT B:   Blue Buckets
 
Blue Buckets is an idea that started with a parent of an autistic child in Hawaii. The idea has since picked up steam. A blue bucket would be a way for Trick or Treating children at the door to signal that they are autistic and possibly non-verbal. 

We hear from parent Juan Capdet, whose 5 year old autistic son Jordi plans to be carrying a blue bucket this year. We also speak withTamra Mariott, Director of Field Development in Southern California for Autism Speaks, and Rebecca Zornitsky, who is an Autism Response Team Associate for Autism Speaks.

SEGMENT C: The Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project is designed to help kids with severe food allergies enjoy Halloween, while remaining safe. The project encourages people to give out items other than food, like crayons or glow sticks. The "giver" can set out a teal blue pumpkin (usually plastic) as a signal to parents and kids that this is a "safe" house. Some children are so extremely allergic to candies with nuts or chocolate, eating them can have devastating consequences.
 
Hal speaks with Amy Gurrango and her allergic 4-year-old son Benjamin Gurango, and 
Dr. Rishma Chand, Pediatric Intensivist for Dignity Health Northridge Hospital.

SEGMENT D: Final Thoughts

Hal tells us about the latest "What the Hal?" Podcast.