Costume Tips for a Safe and Fun Halloween

Children of all ages love the celebration of Halloween at the end of October each year.

One of the first questions children think of as fall comes near is “What should I be for Halloween?” Too many parents and children are unaware of important Halloween safety information. While the information is not difficult to locate, many people just fail to think about the dangers that are inherent in the celebration of Halloween. All trick or treater's should be given adequate safety information regarding costumes, being a pedestrian, and treats before they hit the streets in search of fun and candy.

To help your child have a safe Halloween we have listed below some of the most important costume safety tips.

Costumes need to be light enough so that passing cars will be able to see your child.
Reflective tape added to a dark costume is a great way to increase your visibility. Reflective tape can also be added to your treat bag.
Flashlights will also help your children be seen quickly and easily at night.
Never have a Halloween costume that is so long that it can cause your child to trip and fall.
Sturdy shoes are an important part of every costume, no matter what it is.
Hats and scarves should be tightly tied to avoid tripping over them if they were to fall off.
Masks can restrict a child’s breathing so make up is always a better alternative. Any make up that is used should be non toxic and non allergenic.
Any weapons (such as swords, knives, etc.) should be soft and flexible. Do not allow your little Ninja to carry around a fake sharp sword.
Fire retardant materials should be used for all parts of the costume.
Your child should know your home phone number and how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Make sure your child is familiar with “stop – drop – roll” in the event that a costume catches on fire.
Children should walk from door to door and never skateboard, rollerblade, or bicycle.