Halloween Safety: There’s No Trick To It!
The observance of Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts, devils and goblins. Over the years, Halloween customs and rituals have changed dramatically. Today, many of the young and youngatheart take a more lightspirited approach. Glowing skeletons and lighted Jack O’ Lanterns decorate homes, while children dressed in all kinds of costumes begin flocking out onto neighborhood streets in search of treats. Make this year’s holiday extra safe by following these safety tips on costumes, treats, decorations and more!
Costumes:
- When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label “Flame Resistant.” To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
- Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls. Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
- Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
- Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
- For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes and candy sacks with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights.
- Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
Decorations:
- Keep candles and Jack O’ Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
- Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting visitors.
- Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
- Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
- Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
