Tips for Halloween safety

Kids these days love Halloween. My grandchildren have been talking it about it for weeks, pouring over catalogs to get just the right costumes.

To make sure Halloween is safe for your children and grandchildren, help them choose a costume that is flame resistant, fits well, and is light enough to be seen clearly by motorists. Adding reflective tape will help with visibility.

If a mask is worn, it needs to fit well and not block vision. Consider applying face makeup instead of having the child wear a mask. If face paint is applied, only use paint that is intended for use on the skin.

Determine in advance where the children will trick or treat. Instruct them to not eat any candy or other treats before you have examined them carefully. Be sure to accompany small children.

Tips for adults are to be careful if candles are used in pumpkins or elsewhere. Also, adults should avoid wearing decorative contact lenses unless they have a prescription for them.

For Halloween safety, adults need to drive carefully through the community and designate a driver if they attend a party.

See my article “Halloween Safety Tips for Kids and Adults Can Save Injuries, Illness” for details.

My next post will be on "Facts and Figures on Halloween 2009."

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist