October is such a great month full of spooky fun, harvest parties, corn mazes and candied apples. So as not to put a damper on your Halloween night, here’s some tips adopted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep safety at the forefront of your family’s festivities:
S: Swords, staffs, wands and other accessories should be soft and pliable.
A: Adult supervision is always required for younger children. Older children should never go out alone. Groups with an adult are preferred.
F: Fasten reflective tape on the front and back of costumes to be sure kids are visible to drivers.
E: Examine all treats for choking hazards, especially for kids younger than 3.
H: Hold flashlights to be able to see in the dark and to be seen by other pedestrians and drivers.
A: Always test make-up for irritation on a small part of the skin before applying extensively.
L: Look both ways before crossing the street!
L: Lower eye health risks by not wearing designer contact lenses or make-up too close to the eyes.
O: Only walk on sidewalks or well-marked pathways instead of in the street. Walk, don’t run!
W: Well-fitted costumes and shoes are best. Be sure there is no loose parts that can snag and cause tripping.
E: Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid homemade treats handed out by strangers. Eat treats in moderation!
E: Enter homes only with another adult and in neighborhoods you know.
N: Never walk near candles or open flames. Be sure all costumes are fire-resistant.
Remember to keep the fright-factor to a minimum for the younger kiddos. Some of today’s Halloween décor and imagery is not really appropriate for younger children. Their minds are very concrete and seeing a zombie baby eating another baby’s brain seems real to them. Use common sense and everyone should have a good time! Happy Safe Halloween!