HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS for COSTUMES

from

Arizona Childproofers

HALLOWEEN....what a fun time of year for many.  Children LOVE to dress up.  Parents LOVE to dress up.  The excitement of So much candy can be just a little overwhelming.  When I was a little girl my mother made my costumes and we were able to run around the neighborhood with lots of freedom.

In today's world there are so many things to consider, plus the safety of our children being able to just run around the neighborhoods is not really an option anymore.  So, what are we supposed to do?  How can we keep the whimsical part of this tradition and have fun?  Here are a few simple things to follow and remember as October 31st is approaching and you are getting your costumes together

THINGS TO CONSIDER AS YOU PREPARE YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

1.  Fabric Should be Fire Retardant

      a.  If your costume is homemade....use fabrics that are Fire Retardant 

2.  Keep Costumes Short - this is to avoid Tripping

       a.  Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween

3.  Put Reflective Tape on Costumes and/or Glow Sticks/Jewelry

       a.  You want Drivers AND Others to see your little ones

4.  Comfortable Shoes are a must!

       a.  Trick or Treating is NOT a time for Cute Shoes 

5.  Avoid MASKS

       a.  If a Mask is a must.....make sure the EYES HOLES are LARGE and there is a nose hole for breathing and mouth hole for talking/breathing

       b.  Masks make it hard for peripheral vision and can cause tripping or not seeing an on coming car

       c.  Full masks impair hearing

6.  Face Make Up - MUCH safer than Masks

       a.  Test the make-up or face paint before you use to make sure your child does not have any reactions to the product

        b.  Keep Make-up remover wipes with you

7.  Keep the Costume Loose so that warm clothes can be worn under it

       a.  It can get chilly while Trick or Treating and you don't want your little one to be uncomfortable

8.  Assessories

       a.  Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or another flexible materials.  Children should NOT carry sharp objects.  They or others could get hurt.

       b.  Bags or sacks carried should be light colored or trimmed with reflective tape or lights.

       c.  Flashlights, glow sticks and LED lights are a great added accessories - kids love them and they will be able to see AND be seen more clearly

9.  Practice Walking, Running and Playing in the costume BEFORE you go out

      a.  You will find what you need to fix to prevent a fall or costume malfuntion

10.  Costumes for under Three Yrs Old

       a.  Avoid Chocking hazards - things that can be pried off and get into the mouth of a baby/toddler.  i.e. buttons, bling, patches, decorations, etc

Watch for our next blog on Decorating and Trick or Treating

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact

ARIZONA CHILDPROOFERS

www.azchildproofers.com        info@azchildproofers.com

480-634-7366

Childproofing, Pool Fences, Car Seat Safety, Senior Safety

Community Education

Sources:

www.azchildproofers.com

www.safekidsworldwide.com

www.iafcs.org