How to Keep This Halloween Creepy But Still Safe and Fun

When the moon comes out on October 31, millions of ghosts, goblins, princesses, and pirates hit the streets across the United States in search of candy and fun. Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids (and even for some young-at-heart adults), but it also can be very dangerous.

Costumes that are defective, do not fit properly, are flammable, or are too dark for the children wearing them to be seen by cars in the shadows account for hundreds of accidents each year resulting in serious injuries and even deaths. The fun and frivolity of Halloween can turn tragic in a matter of seconds if safety rules are not followed.

Halloween Safety Tips

The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers trick-or-treaters and their parents safety tips to make sure that Halloween is a safe and fun holiday.

• Children should not eat any candy or other treats collected from homes until a parent or other responsible adult can inspect it and make sure it is safe and has not been tampered with.

• Costumes, masks, beards, and wigs should carry labels saying they are Flame Resistant. This will indicate that the products will resist burning and that flames should extinguish quickly once the material is removed from an ignition source, such as a candle in a Jack O’ lantern. Costumes that are flame resistant can greatly decrease the chances of serious burn injuries suffered on Halloween.

• Costumes, particularly those worn by young children, should be light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists. Also, reflective tape may be added to costumes to make them more visible and reduce the risks of little trick or treaters being struck by cars while out collecting candy.

• Children and parents should carry flashlights to illuminate dark sidewalks and doorsteps, preventing falls or trips. The lights can also make children more visible to passing motorists.

• Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be made of soft and flexible material to prevent injuries.

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