Aug 05 2010
Halloween Safety
Halloween is a time when children want to dress up and go out with their friends. Going door to door and getting candy is what most little boys and girls look forward too. There are some dangers out there that parents and children need to be aware of to be safe this Halloween. Halloween safety should be the number one priority before a costume is even chosen and before children go trick or treating. Here are some Halloween Safety tips that will help this spooktacular evening be an enjoyable on.
Proper Attire-Choosing a Safe Costume.
Most children know what they want to be for Halloween, but it is important that you ensure that the costume is safe and comfortable for your child. It should also be an age appropriate costume, as many costumes are too sexy and revealing nowadays.
- Make sure to choose a properly fitted costume for your child. You don’t want anything that is too long that might pose as a tripping hazard. There should also be room for your child to move freely.
- Ensure that your child is wearing comfortable walking shoes. Shoes that they would normally wear.
- The costume should be comfortable for the weather conditions, repelling rain, wind and cold. Adding a few layers underneath the costume during colder temperatures would be beneficial.
- Avoid masks that restrict your child’s visibility, hearing or breathing. Consider face painting or makeup that will compliment your child’s costume. Make sure the child is not allergic to any of the ingredients beforehand. Test a small patch on their skin to observe any reactions of swelling or redness.
- Avoid the use of costume props such as witches brooms, fake swords, pitchforks and other items that might pose a safety hazard. Your child might cause a tripping hazard or injure themsleves or others with these items.
Visibility
Usually it is dark outside when kids go trick or treating. It is critical to be visible to passing vehicles and to know where your child is at all times .
- A bright, reflective color costume would be best but you can also apply a few pieces of reflective tape to their costume for better visibility. Reflective tape can be purchased at any hardware or cycling shop.
- Have your child use a flashlight with fresh batteries installed that will be visible while travelling in the dark.
- Children love glow in the dark accessories such as bracelets or necklaces, or even glow in the dark stickers that can be applied to their costume would be useful.
Food Safety
- Feed your child a healthy and filling meal before they go trick or treating. This will help reduce the cravings and the possibility of snacking on candy they collect along the way.
- Inspect your children’s candy very carefully before it is eaten. Make sure there are no items in their bag that might have been tampered with. Automatically get rid of items that are unwrapped, torn or open. Some people might believe it is a good idea to give healthy choices such as fruit. Toss it away immediately as you cannot be sure that it was not tampered with. There are plenty of pre-packaged products on the market that make healthy halloween treats. if you received home made treats, make sure they are only accepted from people you know and trust.
- Smell, taste and feel the candy. Smell it for unusual odors, taste a bit of it and make sure it is not hard, stale or odd in taste. Some candy might be left over from years past and can be hard and stale. Look at the items such as chocolate which might look spotty with white patches. The last thing you want is some expired candy in your children’s stomachs. Feel for unusal textures and shapes inspecting for foreign objects.
- Inspect the candy for possible items your child might be allergic too such as nuts or other items you might be aware of.
An adult or older mature sibling should be with your child at all times. If possible it is even better if kids can travel in groups staying close to their friends or other siblings. Whoever is in charge should ensure that no candy be eaten until inspected and that you are aware of their movements at all times.
When you follow some of these Halloween Safety tips, your kids can look forward to a happy and safe Hallowen. And for those that have animals that are dressing up for the occassion, ensuring their safety and inspecting their treats would also apply.
Have fun!