Is your grandchild safely prepared for Halloween?
It’s finally here! Halloween is the time of year where your grandchild can finally dress up as their favorite super hero, princess or goblin. We don’t often think about the potential hazards that may arise with these costumes and the related activities. How do you know if your grandchild is safely prepared for Halloween?
Be mindful of face coverings as they tend to be difficult for children to see out of during trick-or-treat activities.
Some Halloween costumes pose fire hazards to children. Avoid costumes that have trailing or baggy pieces. It is possible for the excess cloth on a costume to catch an open flame or trip a child. To avoid this possibility, ensure that the costume is fitted close to the body with no excess cloth and that the costume is flame retardant. Be mindful of face coverings as they tend to be difficult for children to see out of during trick-or-treat activities.
In addition to costumes, many potential fire hazards arise in decorations such as dried flowers, corn stalks or paper decorations. Be sure to keep these items away from open flames, light bulbs, and heaters. One of the most common Halloween decorations is the carved pumpkin. Instead of using an open flame candle, opt for the battery powered candle. These candles can stay lit for an entire night with no fire risks.
Costumes that have bright and reflective accessories can help to avoid a vehicle related accident.
On Halloween, many kids are out on the streets trick-or-treating, often times not paying attention to passing vehicles. Data shows that there are twice as many kids hit by cars on Halloween. Costumes that have bright and reflective accessories can help to avoid a vehicle related accident. Another option can be to use reflective tape on your grandchild’s costume or on their trick-or-treat bag.
Before purchasing a costume, ensure that your grandchild can breathe, see and hear well while wearing their costume. Wigs, beards, and masks can all block the nose, mouth, eyes, and ears. This is a great time of year to spend time with friends and family, take a few minutes for safety and plan to have a fun time on Halloween.
