Halloween Costume Safety Tips

Every year the end of October brings frivolousface or drag the ground where they could trip
food, fright and fun to children of all ages. Andand fall.
every year it's the same question at the beginning- A natural mask made of make-up is better if
of October, "What is my Halloween Costumeyou are concerned with a loose fitting mask that
going to be this year?" But often times, whatmay restrict a child's breathing. If you use a
October fails to bring, is safety information formake-up mask be sure you use non-toxic and
the entire celebratory Halloween day. Thehypoallergenic makeup.
information is out there, don't get me wrong, but- Make sure your Ninja is not carrying a fake
you have to "look for it" - and most invinciblesword that is sharp! All swords, knives etc should
trick-or-treaters feel that safety information isbe soft and flexible.
not necessary for them. However, safety- Make sure the Halloween costume is made from
information (whether it is costume safety,flame retardant material.
pedestrian safety, or treat safety) is necessary- Make sure all Halloween costumes wigs and
for ALL trick-or-treaters if they want to returnaccessories are labeled flame retardant
home the exact same way they left - except- Make sure your child knows your home phone
with a big bag full of candy.number and 9-1-1.
Listed below are the Halloween Costumes Safety- Review with your children the principle of
Tips that will help ensure a safe Halloween:"Stop-Drop-Roll" in the event that the costume
- Be sure the costume is light and bright enoughcatches fire.
to be clearly visible to vehicles and other- It's best for the child to walk door to door
passers-by.instead or rollerblade, bicycle or skate board.
- For greater visibility, you can add reflective tapeThe CPSC has a Halloween Safety: Safety Alert
in a decorative way to the costume. You can alsothat it puts out annually. In addition, there are
add this same reflective tape to the bag that ismany websites and local papers that list in detail
to collect all of the candy.how to have a fun and safe Fright Night!
- Have your child carry a flashlight to be seenHalloween costumes safety is the one that is
easilyneglected the most by parents. Parents lecture
- Halloween Costumes should not be so long thattheir children about going up to strange looking
the child could trip and fall over it.houses and they lecture about eating treats that
- Halloween Costumes should include sturdy shoes.look peculiar or haven't yet been inspected by an
It's not a good idea for your child who is dressingadult. But they rarely lecture or concern
up as Marilyn Monroe to be walking about in yourthemselves with costume safety before sending
high heels.their precious little one out with all of the other
- Hats and scarves should be tied tight enoughgoblins.
that they do not come loose and fall in children's