Safety for Halloween Trick-or-Treaters

Preferred Care is committed to helping you and your family lead a healthier life, so be safe this Halloween! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has some easy tips to help keep kids safe while trick-or-treating this year.

Costumes

• Buy costumes, masks, and wigs that have flame-resistant fabric (such as nylon or polyester). They should have a "Flame Retardant " label. These fabrics resist catching fire.
• Wear light- or bright-colored costumes, to make it easier for drivers to see kids.
• Decorate costumes with reflective tape (found in many hardware and sporting goods stores) that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. This makes it easier for drivers to see kids at dusk or in the dark.
• Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen. "Glowing" accessories, such as bracelets or necklaces, can also help keep kids visible in the dark.
• Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground, to prevent trips and falls.
• Make sure masks fit securely, with large holes for the eyes and mouth to make it easy to see and breath through.
• Swords, knives and other accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Treats

• Warn kids not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully looked at them.
• Look at any toys that a young child brings home. Do not let them have anything small enough to cause a choking hazard.

Fun Feature! Try the Pumpkin-o-Meter game! Find out how many calories are in your favorite halloween candy!

Decorations

• Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from areas where costumes can brush against the flame.
• Remove anything from lawns, steps and porch that kids (or adults) could trip over.
• Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and anything that could catch fire. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
• Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard any damaged sets.
• Don't overload extension cords.

For more information

• Visit the CPSC Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov
• Share this Playing it Safe for Halloween article with your children, from the KidsHealth® section of the Preferred Care Web site.
• Stuck for costume ideas? Sometimes it can be fun to dress up as a group. Try one of these Costume Ideas for Groups of Two or More, from the KidsHealth® section of the Preferred Care Web site.
• Get Halloween Candy Hints for Parents.
• Kids view: What kids say about Halloween Candy.

Posted: October 2005

Last updated: October 25, 2007