From black cats to ghosts, there are many beliefs and superstitions associated with Halloween, but regardless of whether you believe black cats bring bad luck, there’s another aspect of this holiday that should be on your mind on Oct. 31: safety. Amidst all the fun of Halloween, it’s important to remember that this holiday requires some extra safety precautions. Use the following Halloween safety tips to help keep your children safe and prevent accidents and injuries on this fun-filled night:
Costume Safety
- Think safety when selecting your child’s costume; avoid long, baggy or loose-fitting costumes and shoes that may be difficult to walk in.
- Choose costumes, wigs and accessories made from fire-retardant materials.
- Select costume colors and materials that are highly visible to motorists.
- Opt for facial makeup instead of a mask that may limit a child’s vision or breathing.
- Buy makeup labeled “FDA- Approved” or “Non-toxic”, and remove makeup promptly to avoid allergies or adverse reactions.
- Make sure costume accessories such as swords or magic wands are made of flexible materials.
- Add strips of reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags to make children more visible.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
Remind children to walk only on sidewalks, and to look both left and right before crossing at corners or crosswalks.- Never let a child enter a home to receive candy or a treat unless accompanied by a parent.
- Instruct your child to visit only well-lit houses.
- Never allow children under the age of 12 to trick-or-treat alone. Older children should plan their route ahead of time so parents know where they are.
- Instruct children to never approach a car, or accept treats from a person in a car.
- Remind children to stay alert for house pets and strangers.
- Inspect your children’s candy before they eat it. Wrapped treats are safest. Dispose of fresh fruit, unwrapped or homemade treats or anything that looks remotely suspicious.
- Check for choking hazards, such as hard candy, gum, peanuts, or small toys before letting a small child eat his or her treats.
Pumpkin Carving Safety
- Carve pumpkins on a flat surface with good lighting.
- Consider using a pumpkin-carving kit that includes special, easy-to-use cutting tools.
- Have children ages 5 and younger draw on the pumpkin’s face – then you do the carving.
- Light pumpkins using votive-style candles.
- Place lighted pumpkins away from flammable objects, such as curtains.
- Never leave lit pumpkins unattended.
At Eaton & Berube, the safety of you and your family is important to us. For additional Halloween safety tips and year-round information to help promote wellness and safety in your home and wider community, please subscribe to our blog or contact us.