Halloween Health and Safety

Halloween Costumes

These Halloween hints from Tri-County Health Department will guarantee a fun, safe holiday for everyone if parents follow a few simple safety precautions for all trick-or-treaters.

Parents can easily prevent the three major causes of childhood Halloween injuries: eye abrasions from masks and costumes; minor skin irritations from face paints; and injuries from flammable costumes.

Masks
Masks should fit comfortably, have good visibility, and have no sharp or rough edges that could scratch the eyes or skin. Face paints provide better visibility than masks, especially for kids with glasses, but the makeup must be washed off thoroughly in order to avoid skin irritation.

Costumes
Fabric costumes should be labeled flame retardant and also be made of light-colored materials or have reflective strips for improved visibility to cars. Outfits should not have any dangling pieces that a child might trip over, and children should wear their own walking shoes, not mom’s oversized high heels.

Accessories
Swords, props and other accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials, not something that could poke an eye or injure another child. Better yet, avoid all weapons completely, as children can get very aggressive if they act out their costume fantasies.


Halloween Health and Safety Ideas
These Halloween hints from Tri-County Health Department will guarantee a fun, safe holiday for everyone if parents follow a few simple safety precautions for all trick-or-treaters. Parents can easily prevent the three major causes of childhood Halloween injuries: eye abrasions from masks and costumes; minor skin irritations from face paints; and injuries from flammable costumes. Masks Masks should fit comfortably, have good visibility, and have no sharp or rough edges that could scratch the eyes or skin. Face paints provide better visibility than masks, especially for kids with glasses, but the makeup must be washed off thoroughly in order to avoid skin irritation. Costumes Fabric costumes should be labeled flame retardant and also be made of light-colored materials or have reflective strips for improved visibility to cars. Outfits should not have any dangling pieces that a child might trip over, and children should wear their own walking shoes, not mom’s oversized high heels. Accessories Swords, props and other accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials, not something that could poke an eye or injure another child. Better yet, avoid all weapons completely, as children can get very aggressive if they act out their costume fantasies.	Safety Remind kids to cross only at street corners, never run between parked cars, always remove masks for visibility before crossing the street, be aware of moving vehicles and never go into a stranger’s home. Concerned parents can also accompany children, set time limits and curfews, and instruct children not to eat any treats until they are examined by an adult. In addition, a flashlight provides light for dark sidewalks and increases visibility to passing motorists. It can even be decorated to coordinate with a costume. Residents can also help increase Halloween safety by providing a well-lighted home and walkway, removing anything that might be tripped over, using battery-powered lights instead of candles in pumpkins, and protecting their pets from pranks. Candy Alternatives There are also nutritious alternatives to handing out Halloween candy. Treats don’t have to be sweets. Kids love getting stickers, colorful school supplies and novelties instead of candy. Since only commercially-wrapped treats be accepted by trick-or-treaters, serve other treats such as homemade goodies at parties and in your own home. Banana bread, apples and pie are some healthier alternatives to candy. Adults should inspect all candy wrappers, throw out any that look suspicious and insist that kids brush their teeth after eating sweets. Also, if you send kids out after a good meal, they will be less tempted to eat candy along the way. Pet Health and Safety Pets are especially vulnerable and should be kept indoors. The constant doorbell ringing can be very upsetting. Even the most mild-mannered dog can get snappy when confronted with screaming children in strange costumes, so don’t let children pet the dog without adult supervision. Keep pets restrained or with another person so that they don’t dart out the open door, or keep them safe in a closed room. Chocolate and raisins are poisonous to pets, and foil or plastic candy wrappers can be dangerous if swallowed by curious cats and dogs, so keep the trash tightly closed.	Kids Pages: • Consumer Product Safety Kids Pages • Fire Safety Kids Pages • Kids Safety Pages (CDC) • PlayIt Safe! Traffic Safety Kids Emergency Preparedness Pages: • FBI Youth Grades 6 - 12 • FEMA / National Security Emergencies • Fire Safety Kids Pages • Listo.gov - Niños • Ready.gov For Kids • Sesame Street - Let's Get Ready! • Sesame Street - Activity Book • Sesame Street - Name and Phone Number Tips • Sesame Street - Parents Guide • Sesame Street - Español - ¡Preparémonos! • Sesame Street - Español - ¡Preparémonos Niños! • Sesame Street - Espanol - Nombre y Número • The Weather Channel for Kids Related Links: • Bicycle Helmet Safety • Book and Movie Page • Child Passenger Safety • Consumer Product Safety Commission • Halloween Safety (CDC) • Home Safety Council • Injuries (CDC) • National Fire Protection • Playground Safety • Safe Kids Campaign • Safety Tips, Hazards and Recalls • Toy and Product Recalls \| Subscribe • Winter Preparedness \| Checklist PDF files can be viewed and printed with the free Adobe Reader We believe these external websites provide useful information. However, there is no connection to, or endorsement by, Tri-County Health Department.

Halloween Health and Safety Ideas