As
Halloween approaches, parents should get ready too. The stores are
chock full of costumes for wee trick-or-treaters including some that
could be a safety threat. Here are some tips from Consumer Reports for
buying or making safe Halloween costumes:
- Consider buying light-colored or bright garments that are visible
to motorists. If the costume is dark, apply some reflective tape that
will glow in the beam of a car's headlights.
- Carefully consider the costume's flammability and opt for material
that won't easily go up in smoke. If your child wants to be a mummy,
don't wrap him in toilet paper, paper towels or gauze. Other fire
hazards include big, baggy sleeves, trailing cloaks, and billowing
skirts. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends purchasing
costumes, beards, masks, and wigs that have the "Flame Resistant"
label.
- Make sure the costume is short enough so children won't trip and fall.
- Make sure masks don't obstruct your child's vision. Better yet, use FDA-approved facial make-up, instead of masks.
- Don't allow your children to wear decorative, non-corrective contact lenses that are dispensed without a prescription.
- Don't overlook the shoes; they should be sturdy and fit well. Mom's
high heels may look great but if they're wobbly and unsteady—in other
words, easy to trip over—consider something more well-grounded.
- If a play sword, cane, or stick is part of a costume, make sure it
is not sharp or too long. Better yet—skip the sticks entirely. These
accessories can easily cause injuries—including serious eye injuries.
- Give your child a flashlight to carry.
For more information on Halloween safety, go to PTA.org/safetyalert.
