Safety Tips to Prevent Halloween Injuries

I have to admit it, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love seeing all the cute and scary costumes, and decorating our house so it looks like a haunted mansion.

But Halloween can also present dangers to children that parents need to be aware of. Here is a simple list of Halloween Safety Tips for parents to consider.

Halloween Safety Tips

• Look for the words “flame resistant” on all costumes, masks, beards and wigs. Remember, many of those scary jack-o-lanterns have burning candles inside them. Meaning your child may be exposed to a lot of open flames. Keep in mind, flame resistant doesn’t mean the costume can’t burn. But it does mean that the costume should be easy to extinguish if the unthinkable happens and they do catch fire.

• Choose bright, visible costumes. Decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Reflective tape is cheap and can be purchased at hardware or sporting goods stores.

• All children should carry flashlights.

• Use the buddy rule. Children should never trick or treat alone. Young children should trick or treat with an adult.

• Children should never go inside a house to get treats. Even if they know the person who lives in the house.

• Costumes should be short to prevent children from tripping over them.

• Do not obstruct children’s vision. Make sure masks and other costume pieces are on securely.

• Remind your children to use sidewalks, not to cut across lawns (hoses, rakes, Halloween decorations and lawn ornaments can present a danger for trip and fall injuries in the dark).

Have Fun

Halloween should be a safe and fun time for everyone. By following a few of these safety tips you and your children can have a safe and happy Halloween.

BOO!