Halloween can be the scariest night for parents. Follow these costume tips and give yourself some peace of mind on the spookiest of evenings by making sure whatever costume your child wears it’s a safe one.
- Avoid baggy outfits and flowing cloaks. These stray pieces can easily brush across an open flame or trip up a trick or treater when they’re walking.
- Shoes should be comfortable with laces securely tied. Decorative heels and oversized shoes can result in a painful spill.
- Be sure to buy costumes that are labeled as flame resistant. With flickering candles and jack-o-lanterns there are many open flames around on Halloween night.
- Make sure that any makeup you use is hypoallergenic. Nothing is less fun than a rash on Halloween.
- Never use decorative contact lenses. Most aren’t certified by optometrists and can cause severe eye damage.
- Avoid costumes and props with sharp edges. You want to make sure the only kids with eye patches are ones dressed as pirates.
- You’ll often find dozens of trick or treaters coming to your door in the same costumes. Unique costumes are recommended so your child is easy to pick out in a crowd. If your child is wearing a similar costume to others, make sure to add something which stands out from the rest.
- Make sure any masks being worn are easy to see out of. Obscured vision can lead to accidents.
- Don’t rely on flashlights being the only thing that makes your trick or treater visible. Use reflective tape and glow sticks to make sure drivers can clearly see your child as they cross the street. Additionally, don’t ever let your kids go out in an all-black costume, no matter how scary they may look.
Halloween is a night of extreme excitement but also a night of dangers. Dark streets, costumed children, and candy fueled activities increase hazards. By following these simple tips, you can make sure your family has fun while staying safe. For more safety tips, check out some of My Alarm Center’s other articles.