Each year there are thousands of children and adults injured during the Halloween season.  Many of these accidents and injuries can be avoided with a little bit of planning and foresight.  I have discovered several areas where a mom or dad needs to pay direct attention to help keep their child safe.

General Costume Safety:  Listed below are several items to watch and learn when it comes to choosing a costume.

1.  Make sure costume is flame retardant.  Especially if the costume is plush fur or has lots of hanging items.  This is especially significant if the costume is for an infant.

2. Each Halloween costume should be colorfast so the color does not run and mess up other clothes if it rains.

3. Check the fit of the costume.  Alter the costume if needed to avoid a trip hazard or visual hazard.

4. Apply reflective tape to costumes legs and arms.

5. Try to use make-up instead of full face masks.  Most masks are one size fits all and it can hamper with vision.

6. Make sure your make-up is  make-up and not sharpie’s.

7. Wear comfortable shoes.  If you are wearing costume shoes allow time for them to get broken in before Halloween.

8. Use extreme caution around open flames and candles.  Wigs and loose costumes can catch on fire before you realize you are too close.

9. Make sure fake weapons do not look real.  Flexible weapons are the best to use.  If a weapon looks real, place orange tape around the barrel or blade for protection.

10. If wearing dark costumes, use glow sticks or flashlights when walking.

Trick or Treating Safety:  Try to follow the list to be sure and enjoy the fruits of your trick or treating efforts.

1. Always carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.

2. Always carry a cell phone.

3.  Have identification placed on child with phone numbers in case of emergency.

4. Always travel in groups with and adult ratio of at most 1:7

5. Have a set curfew and check -in time for parents.

6. Plan your route ahead of time, leaving a map or directions with parents.

7. Try to avoid being in the road or street.  Stay on sidewalks or in yards.

8. Walk, running after dark and in a costume is dangerous.

9. Only visit neighborhoods where you know the people

10. Stay out of flowers and garden areas

11. Only visit houses that are lit.  Do not approach dark houses

12. Do not enter houses unless you know the people well.

13. Carry extra bags should your bag tear or become full.

14. Watch out for animals.  Even if you know the animal you may scare them with your costume.

15. Avoid open flames.  Remember to “stop, drop and roll” should your clothes catch on fire.

16. Be respectful of others.  Say “Thank You”

17. Do not eat candy until it has been inspected.

18. Report suspicious activity to an adult or Police immediately.

19.  Consider having a party instead of going out.

20. Help watch out for smaller children out if they are in your group or not.

This year lets work together to make Halloween safe for our children and friends.  Taking the time to dress up as your favorite super hero or monster, collecting candy with friends would not be well suited only ending night in the emergency room due to a careless accident or an accident that could be prevented.  Please take the time to post these safety tips.  We want this year to be safe for everyone.  Be mindful and Be Safe.

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